Joe's Candy Shop.

Joe's Candy Shop was the little confectionery shop on the corner of Alan Street and Main Avenue. They sold brownies and cupcakes, but their main specialty was their extravagant homemade candies. I loved to go there, and Joe, the owner o the shop sure knew how to make anyone smile through any tough time. You name your problem, Joe will know how to fix it. Or he will share a personal experience with you in an attempt to make you better. Either way, you will feel better. Joe will find a way.

Being in Joe's Candy Shop and talking about Joe's Candy Shop were two different things. Joe's Candy Shop when talked about seems like it's the best thing for miles and miles. Joe's Candy Shop when you're in it is like magic is surrounding your body. Like you died and went to confectionary heaven. Like you are in a dream that is so elaborate and amazing. A dream that you never thought you had or could be living. Magical, truly magical. I've only ever experienced something like that in Joe's Candy Shop.

Not only did Joe help you feel special there, but he knew the answer to all your problems. Had a breakup with your best friend? Have his licorice. No one likes licorice unless it's from his store. It can brighten your day in two bites. The girls say that it's like magic. Feeling homesick, try the lollypops. Adults who moved here and lived away from their parents for the first time say it's like your family is there. And if he doesn't have the confectionary for you, he knows someone that can help, if it's not himself. Joe has been through a lot. He knows how to comfort every situation. And yes, I mean every situation.

Joe is a very comforting man, who knows every way to make you feel fantastic. Everyone calls Joe for everything. He knows everyone's darkest secrets. He can be a bit of a gossip, but never spills all the tea. Just enough for the neighborhood tea group to be satisfied when they "pick up brownies." Joe has never lied. The entire town would defend him if he were to be sued and rebuild his shop if it ever got knocked down in a hurricane. You see, Joe's close with everyone. No one goes against Joe. He could run for mayor and everyone would vote for him. Clear who would be the winner of that one.

I remember the first time I went to Joe's Candy Shop. I remember being so excited to go to such an elaborate store. As a young child, when you see a store like Joe's you goggle over the place. I know I had. My parents told me soon every time we passed. My parents decided it was high time I met Joe. I was so excited to receive a dollar from each of my parents and go to school. I was so excited during the school day that I could barely hold still. I was running to get there the moment I was let out. I took a pause right before I went inside, admiring how colorful it looked.

It looked the way it always has. Like a unicorn pooped rainbow on the place and then Joe decorated it to look like something of the month. Being March, It was green, with clover decorations and a leprechaun smiling at you through the window. I then walked inside. I found Joe saying goodbye to the last customer. I saw a large tub of gummy bears. I smile broadly, because of how exciting and dazzling this place is. I even thought Joe might have seen me through the window. I hid a little bit, so he thought I was a passerby or something.

I walked in and was pulled straight towards the gummy bears. $2.00 a bag said the sign. I smile. That's what I have. I went up to the counter and told Joe what I would like. He smiled. He went and got a bag and said, "Never seen you around. What's your name?" I told him my name, and he finished filling the bag. "Yes. I haven't seen your parents in a while. Say hi to them for me, won't ya?" I nod. "First one's free. Hope to see you around kid." I smile. I thanked him and ran out, all the way home to show my parents. I was thrilled and so happy that Joe's was just as I had imagined.

That night we had an amazing dinner, but much better desert. I had never had such a life-changing gummy until that moment. You wouldn't believe how good it was until you tasted it. From that day on, I understood the true magic of the confectionary shop.

You cannot understand the true magic until you go. So the next time you're walking down Alan Street or Main Ave, make sure to stop at the corner and check out the confectionary shop. Say hi to Joe and talk to him. It's worth coming to our town just to visit Joe's Candy Shop.

Years passed. Joe's Candy shop expanded a bit, so you could sit there or eat at the bar. Kids hang out there with their friends, including me. It was the main place to be after school. The afternoon rush of being there was great. Everyone knew where it was. It was the place to meet. Joe thrived. I was pretty sure Joe was rich. Not only in the love of all the townspeople, but in money too. His business was just too good to stay away. Joe could make anyone get better. A doctor for sadness. Not to mention how absolutely fantastic the candy was.

It didn't matter what the candy was, it was bound to be good. Even licorice. Take your favorite candy and then imagine it got evolved to be ten times better, and that's the lowest quality of confectionary in the store. That's how good the candy is. No, that's an understatement. Multiply by 20, then you could be starting to get the general idea of how good it is. Not only is it the things you buy there, but the experience you get when you go there is spot on. Joe comes to talk to everyone, to check-in.