Magic Shop

A Story about exchanging one thing for another. Inspired by BTS’ “Magic Shop”

“Welcome welcome, to the Magic Shop-Festival, dear visitors! Please stay seated and remember: it’s now or never! Thank you for your visit and enjoy the ride!”

Our seatbelts were fastened, and the roller coaster was ready to set off. You were holding my hand tightly, just like you’ve always had and probably would have in the future if it weren’t for today. Your hand was warm and for years i didn’t let go of it, scared you would leave me all alone, if I ever did. But you, you never left me, not even for a second. Suddenly the ride started. It was really exciting: feeling my stomach drop and my heart pumping. I was screaming out of pure joy. Then and there, at this very moment, I was happy. Free as a bird and just living the moment. With every looping, I could feel the weight drop off my shoulders, falling to the ground meters and meters beneath me. Excitement built up in my tummy and I let go of your hand to reach up and enjoy.

I guess that was a mistake.

You stared at me and took back my hand. Scarring my hand and arm doing so. Suppressing my screams (not of joy this time) I silently shed a tear and felt warm blood paint my skin. I glanced at your hollow face, trying to decipher whether you noticed or not. I figured I should stay silent, just like you’ve always wanted me to, and just like I’ve always been with you. I could see it from afar. With every passing second, we came nearer and nearer. The gate to the Magic Shop. I wasn’t sure about my decision anymore. What if it didn’t work?

“Dear passengers! You have successfully reached the Magic Shop. Now you may fulfill your dream and sell one item in exchange for another. Good luck and choose wisely!”

Here we are. Your hand holding mine even tighter than ever before, almost breaking it, I stepped towards the counter. “Welcome, please hand over the object you wish to sell and, you will receive everything you wish.” “It’s… not an object”, I mumbled, unsure of my own decision. I reached out my hand, with which you were holding on to me. “I'd like to sell him, please take him”, I cried...a tear streaming down my face, I dropped my hand and freed myself from you. The man behind the counter nods, and I could see your shadowy figure dissolve slowly into nothingness. “What do you wish for in return?” “To feel happy again.“