Every Word I Know

A panther in the night, a fire burning bright. Ray peeked her head out from the back of the shop as the bell rang. She had been sorting out some new arrivals of dried herbs. Quickly washing her hands she headed to the front. The shop was still open after all, and would be for another hour or so.  "Good evening!" Ray called cheerfully as a stranger came in. Though he looked vaguely familiar. Perhaps they'd passed on the street? Ray felt slight suspicion and paranoia that this man asked for her by name and came in so late. If he was here for other business though, he likely would have come in through the back like the others. Regardless he was a customer so she ignored her nerves and gave a warm smile. "I'm Ray, welcome to my shop. What can I do for you?" r a y The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. —Albert Camus