#& replies.arm

[chroniichorror]

Aaliyah slowed her pace, sensing Shari’s discomfort. She felt something like that once. She turned, offering a gentle, understanding smile. “You don’t have to feel embarrassed,” she said softly, her voice warm and reassuring. “This shop is a place where curiosity is welcome, no matter how unusual it might seem. And to answer your question…” She paused, her eyes glinting with a mix of sincerity and intrigue. “Yes, I do. Ghosts, spirits, energies—they’re all part of the history that surrounds us. You’re not alone in wondering about these things.”

as welcoming as aaliyah is, it still feels more than a little humiliating to follow after her further into the store. maybe that's just because as far as existing goes, shari has generally found it to be humiliating. is there ever anything in her life she's done or said without instantly feeling embarrassed? better to just get it over with. "um, well... i mean, you don't..." oh good lord she's doing it again. just speak. "do you believe in, like... ghosts?"

[chroniichorror]

Aaliyah smiled warmly at the customer, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of an old book. "You've come to the right place. Let me show you a few things that might help with your situation." She motioned for the customer to follow her to a section of the shop filled with artifacts and ancient tomes. "We have a selection of charms, rare herbs, and even a few manuscripts that might hold the answers you're looking for." She turns to the woman. "What's going on, if I may ask?"

starter for @chroniichorror ( for aaliyah !! )

"you wouldn't happen to have anything for curses, would you? i checked lovecrafts, but... it was all stuff i've already tried."