Chapter One
The snow was falling, tiny flakes landing on my shoulder, winter's greeting. It gets so cold quickly here, snow far before Christmas. But I don't mind. I actually like it.
We arrived at the small tailor's shop quickly, the once-bright paint job now faded. We walked in and were greeted by the usual "Hi there! Welcome to the hand-made fashion palace of the Able Sisters!" by Mabel. We quickly ran to the back of the store to the umbrella section.
"This is it, Lucia," I said, grinning, "The 'legendary' Heart Splats!"
"Dude, it's not legendary, I made it for you," Lucia replied.
"Well excuse me for trying to make something more eventful. It's not like anything ever happens around here."
"True that."
I stepped out of the way. "After you, my dear lady."
Lucia asked Mabel about the umbrella. Mabel said she could have it, but Lucia didn't take it.
"I can't move," she said.
"What in the world are you talking about? You can move," I respond. I didn't believe her nonsense. Of course she could move!
"Dude, I wouldn't lie about something like that, I seriously can't move," she was almost shouting.
"Naw, you're just craaaaaaaaaazy like Redd," I said mockingly. I was referring to the shady man who owns a black market shop in the city called "Crazy" Redd.
"Step aside and let me get the umbrella."
"I would if I could."
I asked Mabel if I could have the umbrella. She replied with a "sure thing," or something like that, and just smiled. It was a creepy smile. I reached for the umbrella, but I couldn't. I couldn't move at all. I felt like a total idiot.
"Now do you believe me?" Lucia asked.
"Uh-huh."
"And are you sorry for calling me insane?"
"Uh-huh..."
