This post is for the CSB’s writing prompt Childhood Memories.

The Store by John W. Howell ©2013

“Have you made up your mind?”

“No sir I am still trying to decide.”

“Well okay you take your time. We stay open till nine.”

“Oh I can’t stay out that late. My mom says I need to be home before dark.”

“How old are you anyway?”

“Just turned ten.”

“I would say you need to be home by dark. How far away do you live.”

“We are just down the block about midway.”

“Does your dad know you are out?”

“I don’t have a dad. He went to heaven.”

“Oh geeze kid, I’m sorry.”

“Yes Sir. How many of those licorice Scotties can I get for a penny?”

“Those are two for a penny.”

“How about those wax lips and moustache.”

“Those are a penny each.”

“Those B.B.Bats there?”

“A penny each.”

“That Clark Bar?”

“Now those candy bars are five cents for any one of them. The Hershey’s, the Mounds, the Zag Nut, the Three Musketeers are all five cents.”

“Five cents is all I got.”

“Well if you don’t decide soon it will be dark and you’ll be late getting home.”

“Even if I am a little late my mom doesn’t get there until later.”

“Where’s she at?”

“She works at the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company.”

“Oh A&P.”

“How about those Dots and JuJy Fruits?”

“All a nickel. If you have a nickel why can’t you decide?”

“Well. . .  I need to buy some candy for my sister too. I don’t want to split hers up. I want her to have one for herself.”

“Where’s your sister?”

“She works too.”

“How old is your sister?”

“I don’t know. Not as old as my mother. Are those malted milk balls a penny?”

“No. They are two for a penny.”

“The hats?”

“Penny.”

“Those candies on paper?”

“Nickel a foot. Just a minute. I forgot about a special I am having today.”

“What’s a special?”

“Do you like Almond Joys?”

“I really do.”

“I am running a special on Almond Joys. For today only and only for kids with sisters, they are two for a nickel.”