"Alby could you go grab a book from the back for me?"

  "Sure thing mom. Which one?"

  "Blink."

  A young boy, 15 years of age paced into the back of the small bookstore with quick steps. He rummaged around, looking for the small book. He knew all the books by heart. He knew each and every tome like the back of his hand. He brushed his long brown hair out of his eyes and picked a small purple book, filled with pages but barely the size of a brick, and brought it to the front.

  "That will be 27 copper sir."

  The young boy opened the register and placed the coins inside and closed it back up. They were transported into his mother's storage in the bank where it would be safe.

  "Come again!"

  His mother Mary, a short tanned woman, came around the corner from behind a few shelves stacked high with books. The front of the store had all of the cheaper text. The history and mathematics textbooks. The astrology and sciences. They weren't sold as often so they rarely had to restock.

  "Thank you Alby, I was busy doing some dusting and wanted to finish real quick."

  She smiled apologetically at her son, her golden eyes curved up and she gave his hair a quick tussle.

  "You've helped a lot today, why don't we get something for lunch? Is there anything you wanted?"

  Albion fixed his hair, putting the pieces back in place.

  "Really!? Um, meat."

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  "What kind of meat...?"

  "Doesn't matter."

  *sigh*

  "Can you just pick a restaurant?"

  "But I don't care where we go...you're the one that's picky..."

  "What did you say brat!"

  She gave the young boy a light whack upside the head and messed his hair up with a quick tussle.

  "Whatever fine, I want some barbeque."

  Albion brushed his hair back into place with a dejected look while his mother was looking quite pleased.

  "That's better. Let's get some barbeque."

  Mary locked the door to the store and put a sign reading out to lunch up front. They ate together as always and Mary laughed along with her son.

  They ran a fairly popular bookstore in Zolt. They sold all kinds of books to all kinds of people on the daily.

  But what made them special where the large amounts of spell tomes they offered.

  Most were just weak beginner spells like blink, which just let you move much faster for a brief moment. Some of their more expensive spells were much more expensive though.

  The store was named Alby's, after Albion, Mary had opened it just after he was born as a way to make money after his father passed away. She worked hard to get where she was and they lived a happy life together.

  Enjoying meals together and days full of laughter, even while they worked.

  The rest of the night was uneventful, mostly customers looking for their beginner spells, and a couple of normal books for their studies. It was just an average night. Albion had his dinner, a bowl of ramen, and went straight to bed. Getting some rest so he was ready to open the store tomorrow.

  His mother tended to sleep in, even when he woke her up she sometimes just waved him off. He didn't think it was very appropriate since there was a store to run but what could he do? She was the owner...and his mom.

  He played with his necklace, a cheap metal chain, and stared off into nothing. He traced the ring that hung from it, feeling the engravings with the tips of his fingers. He was grateful to have such a kind and hardworking mother, even if she was sometimes a bit lazy, and a little bit of a nuisance. He was grateful for his life. Grateful for everything he had.

  *CRASH*

  “...”

  “Mom!?”