Joanna held the small ornate lamp up to her mouth. She blew off the layer of dust coating its surface. The ensuing cloud triggered a sneeze, and when she recovered her senses, her own reflection stared back at her from the metallic lamp.
She lifted her gaze and was startled to see the old woman happily watching her. After deciding that the woman didn't have anything to say after all, her vision returned to the shiny luster of the bronze curvature.
Joanna motioned to the silent old lady, “How much is this?”
The woman just chuckled softly. “Why, it is free. At least for now.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” Joanna demanded rashly.
“Oh, just take it,” the shopkeeper offhandedly replied while returning to the back of the store.
“Wait, what are you talking about—” Joanna called after her, but the strange woman continued to walk away from here. Still intrigued by the shiny object she held in her hands, curiosity overcame her caution, and Joanna began to walk towards the store's entrance.
