“The job itself is very simple” said the old man “The store should be empty for most of the time. Just sit behind the counter, make sure everything is tidy, you can read if you wish” he paused for a moment “Never out loud. Never read the books out loud.”
“Also, don’t touch the merchandise, everything is sorted to be just so, and I’d hate it if you’d break or spill anything” he looked down and brushed something off his bathrobe.
“Customers should come and go every now and then. It’s important to be confident, lad. If they know what they want, great. If not, listen to their story, try to think what would be a good item for them and sell it. Some of the items should have a price tag, some should have a description, if they don’t… I don’t know, make it up. A sale’s a sale” he chuckled.
“Make sure not to have anything pointed or thrown at you, just make the sale, make sure they leave and they’re society’s problem. There’s a protection wand under the counter should you need it. Pay is minimum wage in your universe’s currency, you get no vacation days, no weekends, no health insurance, and-“ the old man waved his left hand. A small purple lightning shot off his ring finger and hit Mark’s mouth “Consider that your dental.”
“Now, I have to go. Try to have fun, remember what I told you and never ever EVER leave the store, no matter what. We’ll talk about your future here when I’ll come back in a few days” the old man walked towards the door “maybe weeks” he mumbled as he closed the shop’s door behind him.
Mark was flabbergasted. Just a few minutes ago he entered the magic shop in the mall to inquire about a job opening and it appears he has got the job, for better or for worse.
He went behind the counter and sat down, wondering what he’s gotten himself into.
