Toy Store

A hint of past violence

A Torti cat ran out in front of Martha. She watched as kitty ran up the tree and crouched down on a branch. Kitty has done this before she thought. Kitty stared down.

"I think I had a cat like that, once," Martha said to her husband. Kris and Martha were walking arm and arm along the tree lined street.

"Yes. We have four cats," Kris said.

"Hmm, I kind of remember," Martha replied. She looked around the street, the trees, parked cars, children running around.

"Do you know where we are going," Kris asked?

"Not really. All seems new to me."

"Are there some things that are at least a little bit familiar?" Martha sighed,

"No." The couple continued to walk along the sidewalk. The Torti watched from its perch. Several youngsters were walking across the street.

"Hi Mrs. Youngston," a young female yelled and waved. How are you feeling?" Martha was startled.

"Hi, thank you. She is feeling much better," Kris yelled back. Martha looked at Kris.

"Good. Have a great day." The group continued walking, laughing and chatting. Martha looked at Kris,

"Am I feeling better?"

"Yes, you are." Martha looked at her husband. Did she really know who he was. They walked on, not arm in arm.

"I feel like a coffee," Martha said.

"So do I. It is a short distance to that coffee shop we use to go to on Sunday mornings. About a block or so away. Ha ha, you use to say you needed the walk back because of the pastry you ate with your coffee."

"Sounds like something I would say." They walked in silence to the coffee shop. Martha looked both ways before crossing the street. Smiling, she thought, I didn't forget that.

Several people were in the cafe. Two couples were sitting outside at the tables, one umbrella up and one not. They were sipping a drink and nibbling on cookies and muffins. They looked up. Martha looked at them. Nothing familiar.

Kris picked up the drinks and pastries and walked to the window table. Martha was looking out of the window.

"We used to sit at this table. You always enjoyed looking out to the street," Kris said.

"I can see why. So much movement. People walking here and there, some with pets, some without. Horns blowing. People yelling. Martha and Kris sat quietly, sipping and nibbling on their pastries. So much activity.

"Well, shall we continue walking down the street, do some window shopping," Kris suggested? Martha thought, window shopping. Looking at really nice things but not really able to afford them or don't want to spend money on them. What's the point?

They tossed their empty containers into the trash, then exited.

"Look, some store owners are putting up holiday decorations."

"Looks that way. Is it early for that," Martha asked?"

"Not for them." That answer didn't help any Martha thought. They walked by a toy shop. She stopped.

"I would like to go inside here, just to look around," she said.

"Toys?"

"I can see that." Well, this is very interesting she thought. She walked into the toy shop, the bell ringing as the door opened.

"Well hello there. Welcome." Martha looked around. No one there. She noticed a puppet, sitting near the door on a table. Kris followed her inside.

"Thank you," Martha said, smiling.

"It is a puppet," Kris said.

"Really?" Then an older grey-haired man stepped out from the back room.

"Hello. I trust Mr. Jib didn't startle you," the owner said. Martha smiled.

"No."

"Good. James here. Look around. I carry a good selection of European toys, hand crafted. I will be starting the holiday season soon. There are stacks of toys in boxes that I will be putting out in the next couple of weeks. If you don't see what you want, do come back. It is a bit early to put the toys out yet." Martha smiled.

"We're just looking," Kris blurted out.

"Take your time." Martha was walking along the counters, looking at the large assortment of toys.

"Say, you look familiar," James said to Martha.

"Oh? I do like toys."

"Yes, maybe a year or so ago?"

"That's a long time to remember someone," Kris said. Martha shot him a stare.

"Right. However, some faces stay in the memory more than others." Martha noticed an agitation in Kris. He was looking at his phone, then looking outside. He had no interest in looking at the toys. I am going to take my sweet time looking around she thought.

About ten minutes later, James walked out of the back with a tray.

"Cookies and cider. I nibble on these every now and then. Snickerdoodles. I bake them myself," he laughed, patting his belly. Martha giggled.

"Thanks, but we really have to be going," Kris said.

"Cider and cookies. I can't resist," Martha said as she grabbed a mug and two cookies.

"Ooooo, warm cider, complete with a cinnamon stick. You do drink this, right Kris?" He stood still, quiet. He knows something but is not sharing, Martha thought. Could it have to do with the accident? Why not tell me? Or maybe not. Just over thinking. Kris grabbed a mug of cider.

Martha was walking around when she felt a chill flood over her body. Something. Shall I? Munching on her cookie, Martha asked,

"So, Kris, where are we going after here?"

"We can continue to window shop."

"Hmm, good plan." James listened.

"So, the sooner you are finished looking at the toys, we can leave," Kris said.

"Right." Martha walked over to the other side of the store. She noticed a miniature tea set. Suddenly, a pain shot through her head. She got a bit dizzy. She put her mug down and held onto the counter.

"Are you ok," James said as he moved toward her.

"She is fine. Overstimulation," Kris said as he reached her before James.

"Ok, now let's go," Kris said as he grabbed her arm.

"No no. I remember. This is where it happened. This is where my accident happened. Kris? Is this where my accident happened?"

Kris let go of her arm and headed toward the door. He stopped and turned around.

"You fell," he said, "you fell. I will wait for you outside." He turned and walked out the door.

"Well hello there, welcome," Mr. Jib said. Martha looked at James.

"I didn't fall. And I remember you now." James smiled.

"I am glad to see you walking around. I think you need to talk with a solicitor.

"I think you are correct." Martha smiled.