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******  UNICORN NO MORE  ***
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***  Next Week 
*** the 123rd and
*** Last Ever
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*** UNICORN CHALLENGE ***
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Visit Jenne Gray to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.

To hear me read my story, just click here:

The Shop

The street is narrow, deep in the heart of the old town.
I’ve passed along here often, so I’m rather surprised I haven’t noticed this shop before.
It’s a strange-looking little place, outside and in.
Curious, I step through the doorway and browse around, fascinated by the odd product on display – paintings, objets d’art, masks and other strange, vaguely occult pieces I don’t quite understand.
An elderly lady with a kindly face suddenly materialises beside a surprisingly-angled row of shelves, and asks if I need help.
Startled, I say thanks, but no, then ask how long they’ve been here.
Just today, she replies.
I laugh, indicating the packed shelving.
There are so many places, she says, we can’t stay longer.
Somewhat confused, I move away.
She reappears a short time later, says she needs to close now.
When I tell her I’ll be a few more minutes, she becomes agitated.
She presses me to leave immediately, before it’s too late.
But I’ve just spotted the ideal gift for my wife so, impatiently, almost impolitely, I brush her aside.
Yes, it’s perfect, I decide.
I’ll leave as soon as you wrap this, I smile at the lady.
Her ancient eyes wrinkle with concern as she tells me the shop’s closed, that I need to stay until morning.
Irritated, I thrust the item into her hands and, ignoring her frantic pleas, throw open the door.
Outside is dark swirling nothingness.
The street, the town, the world, have all disappeared.

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PLUS!
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My new – and very different – book is now available in UK:
http://bit.ly/44Ljf8l

and in USA (amazon.com):
http://bit.ly/3GtjziI