“Index Emendorum”

The clock struck ten bells. Closing time.

Caster wheels squeaked on black-and-white linoleum.

Mayonnaise, the tiniest jar, was still on the shelf. The bottom shattered when it dropped in the cart.

String red licorice.

A compass – the top was spinning too quickly to be anything useful – was considered. Perhaps as a fan for mice. It was placed next to a mouse hole.

Swaying in the breeze, an indigo iris, with bell-cup top, and orange frock squatted beside a succulent.

“Perilhilion Pass”, the iris introduced. Flowers get lonely too and that would never do.

In went a lone boot, which settled next to the iris. “Where’s your partner?” intrigued the iris. The boot began a long tale of misfortune but was immediately shushed. The flowers knew why.

The twinkies were long gone, expelling a chuckle as it dispelled a rumor.

Breath mints!

“Oh, and charge me for that length of fisherman’s rope outside. Ten feet should do.”

The skeletal cashier must have been absent-minded for she was still gazing at her phone. The screen was as black as their sockets.

From the take-a-penny-leave-a-penny-tray,

Two copper coins.