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She glanced at the front door where an “open” sign was written in plain English.
<span class="mu-r">“Yeah…me too.”</span>
You reaffirmed your grip on Cindy and took a step towards the shack. Ana and the Mask Maker were walking beside you. As soon as you stepped onto the porch, the front door swung open, revealing a shaggy black dog waiting for you in the main entrance. His eyes, sharp with intelligence, glanced at Cindy, and then back up at you.
<span class="mu-i">“Is she alright?”</span> he asked. You were still getting used to the fact that he could talk at all.
<span class="mu-r">“I think so. She’s just tired from the trip.”</span>
He nodded and turned to head deeper into the shack. You followed him inside, Ana and the Limbo demon trailing behind you. Just as Shaggy had told you, this place fit the bill for a curio shop that specializes in antique and novelty items. Except, instead of snowglobes and keychains, you saw potions, tomes and various other artifacts that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Just being in this room was enough to spark your sense of curiosity and excitement at finding something new and exciting to shop around for.
But as soon as you spotted the old woman manning the front desk, those feelings came crashing back down. She wore a set of plain, dark gray robes that matched the color of her hair, which was tied back into a tight bun. The woman known as Young stared at you from over a cup of steaming hot tea, and that cold, assessing gaze of hers caused your anger to flare up all over again.
You might’ve blurted something out right then and there if Ana hadn’t stepped in front of you to take Cindy from your hands. You didn’t want to let go at first, your fingers instinctually clinging to the bandages, and they to you.
<span class="mu-g">“I’ve got her.”</span>
That was all Ana said, and somehow, it was enough for you to relax your fingers so that she could pry the girl away from you.
<span class="mu-s">“I have a bedroom upstairs. Bring her there.”</span>
You all turned to Young. Her eyes were locked on Cindy, but she frowned when she noticed the sword that she was cradling.
<span class="mu-i">“Here. I’ll show you.”</span> Shaggy offered.
Young nodded her thanks. You waited until the three of them were up the creaky wooden steps, before returning your attention to the old woman.
<span class="mu-s">“You must be Benjamin. Thank you for bringing my granddaughter here safely.”</span> she said, bowing her head, before stepping out from behind her counter. <span class="mu-s">“From what I’ve heard, you have been taking care of her ever since her parents disappeared from her life.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“That’s right.”</span> you said, not trusting yourself to say anything more without insulting her.
<span class="mu-s">“Then you have my thanks for that as well. The girl has not had an easy life. It pleases me to know that you have been making an effort to improve her situation.”</span>
Her voice was calm and level, despite the fact that this is the first time she’s seeing her granddaughter in…god knows how long.
(Cont.)
