The bell at the door chimed, and a tall, olive skinned woman with short curly black hair, a toned body and large hips walked nonchalantly into the store. She was wearing tight athletic clothing and beads of sweat were still cooling on her skin, most likely having come from the gym attached to the mall. Quko’s eyes perked up at the sight of a new, and so far today’s only customer, although this caused her no concern. The woman paid her a simple nod and began to walk around the store. The woman, Mary, walked around the messy shelves of seemingly unsorted items and knick-nacks, not seeming to be interested in anything of note until she stopped about halfway into the heart of the shop. She picked up a tube of facial wash, one that seemed to be much more modern looking than the rest of the items in the store. She uttered a bemused “Huh” and went up to the registered.
Quko’s eyes brightened as the woman approached with the product in hand. Mary placed the face wash on the checkout counter and spoke, “Seems kind of out of place,yeah? Is this antique shop a beauty store too?” She followed the last word with a halfhearted laugh. Quko simply smiled.
“We sell all kinds here girl. Sometimes rarities aren’t some musty old music box or strange carving. For example, that right there is one of the last remaining tubes of a miracle wash that really will remove all blemishes from your face. It is one-hundred percent guaranteed to work or your money back!”
Mary smirked. “If it’s so good, then why is it here? Wouldn’t everyone be clamoring for this stuff? I can think of a couple teenagers that would kill for this.”
Quko guffawed. “Well of course, but unfortunately the company that made it went out of business right before it was going to be released. Now the tubes are collectors items, although they certainly still work too. Now, do you want it or are we just going to keep chatting, not that I mind, you seem delightful!”
Mary shrugged and asked for the price. Her smirk faltered a little when the register dinged and the cost was displayed. She grumbled a bit, but it wasn’t out of her price range so she forked over her card and left the store, conflicted yet monstrously curious as to just how good this face wash really could be.
Later, at home in the bathroom, Mary stood before her sink mirror naked. She examined her face closely, looking over the minor defects it had. Truth be told she didn’t really need the face wash. She was free of acne for the most part, but she had several scars on her right cheek that had bothered her since childhood, and her skin was naturally oily so she was constantly washing it to prevent blackheads. Still, she wanted to see just how effective her new purchase was. She picked up the tube and read the instructions. They were pretty simple. Lather up in hands, apply to face and leave fore about a minute. Wash hands thoroughly after applying, with the instructions stating that the wash was only intended for the face and leaving on other parts may have negative effects if not removed promptly. Once the minute had passed, rinse and observe the effects of the wash. Seemed simple enough. Mary did as instructed, but as she rinsed her face off, something unexpected happened…