"Damn" I said as I watched the bus pull away from the curb mere seconds too late.

Ah well. Should be used to that happening by now. At least today is a day of errands rather than anything extra important..

Rather than wait for the bus I started walking. I pulled my denim closer as the cold of October started to dig it's fingers in.

Running mentally through my list "Groceries, Bank, Bookstore.." My train of thought got interrupted when I saw what might be the strangest of shops. The sign outside was painted in an old carnival style and was weatherworn. "Abandoned Hopes & Dreams". The outside of it was wood paneled with small windows of glass depicting what appeared to be curios.

My curiosity getting the better of me, I stepped inside.

Immediately I was hit with the scents of camphor and foxglove. The store was dimly lit and was littered with curiosities from every genre and culture as well as over a dozen taxidermy animals that I could see just from entering.

Behind the counter was a woman of indeterminate age smoking on using a long stemmed cigarette holder.

"Welcome young man, and come closer" Her accent was difficult to gauge. Something Eastern? That was as far as I could figure.

I came closer.

"Welcome to Abandoned Hopes & Dreams". She said simply

Taking the advantage of the expectant question.. "So.. What exactly is this place?"

She smiled, and for some reason it reminded me of a tiger's.

"Everyone has dreams and hopes, aspirations and endeavors. And when they are stopped short of success.. They lie fallow. Sometimes, the universe decides to complete a few of them. And they wind up here."

I couldn't help but quirk a brow. The lady smiled once more and said after taking a drag off her cigarette "Look around, and see what I mean."