"Can you believe some of this stuff?" Karyn said. "It's bizarre. Some of it is weird to the point of tacky. Who "“ maybe besides your sister and her friends "“ would want a skull necklace anyway?"
"Hah, yeah exactly," Jon muttered as he moved on to the next aisle. "See any good costumes, Karyn?"
"Not really, Jon," she replied. "I mean, there's some... interesting outfits, but I'm not sure I'd call them 'costumes'. Even with the half-price offer, they're still not what I'd call good value for money."
"Wait, what is this..?" Jon pulled a thick, hardback book from the shelf. It was among a group of similar-looking books, but the title on the spine leapt out at him so he examined it closer. It was bound with brass hinges and clamped shut by an antique lock on the front cover. It was covered in a layer of dust, but as Jon brushed it off to re-read the title, it became obvious that either this book couldn't possibly be that old or it was some kind of weird joke.
"'The Secret Diary of Jon Gibson, 2011 and Beyond'", he read aloud. Karyn overheard him and immediately came over to see for herself. He turned to her and asked, "What the heck is this?"
"No idea," Karyn shrugged. "What do you suppose is inside it?"
"I don't know," said Jon, "but I have to find out."
Jon took the heavy book over to the counter, where the old shop owner had quietly reappeared. He had been watching the two friends' whole exchange intently.
"This book has my name on it!"
"Does it really?" the old man seemed surprised. "Then I imagine it's a very special book for you."
"I can't open it. Do you have the key for the lock?" he asked as he set the book down on the counter.
"The key comes with the purchase," the shopkeeper replied with a smile, "and not before."
Jon sighed. "How much, then?"
"Oh, these old books don't sell all that well," the old man shook his head. "Very limited appeal, you understand. I can let you have it for ten dollars."
"And the key as well?" Jon eyed the shopkeeper suspiciously.
"Oh my, yes," he chuckled. "I am not some evil old wizard trying to trick you, of course not. The price includes the key for that book."
"Then I'll take it," Jon handed over the cash and the old man pulled out a large brass key ring with dozens of keys on it. After sorting through them for a while, he found the key for Jon's book. He carefully unhooked the key and handed it to Jon. "Thanks," Jon replied and immediately stuck the key in the lock.
It fit perfectly, and with a single turn the latch sprung open. As Karyn peered over his shoulder, Jon carefully opened the book to discover....
