Mary reached up and touched the pink hair ribbon that she had put on, then looked at the shopkeeper. "I don't think it's my thing. It's more like something a little girl would wear."
"Perhaps," the shopkeeper said. "But I think it looks great on you."
Mary looked like she was about to take it off, but the man stopped her. She gave him a questioning look.
"Keep it."
"Excuse me?"
"This shop is new and I need some promotion. Show the ribbon to people you know. Tell them about my store."
"No, I couldn't."
"It's okay." He smiled.
"Well, I suppose so ..."
"Then it's settled."
Moments later, Mary and Brandon left the store.
"Where did you get that, Mom?" Brandon asked, pointing towards the pink ribbon that was in her hair.
"Oh, the shopkeeper gave it to me for free. Do you like it?"
He shrugged. "It's okay."
