Miko had returned her phone to her handbag, adjusting the strap on her shoulder somewhat anxiously. Her eyes flicked round the strange antique store, wondering what exactly about this place was drawing her in. There seemed to be a heaviness in the air, something that triggered an unsettling yet magnetic stir in her gut. Just as the young woman’s gaze slid back to the cluttered shelves, another commotion behind her commanded her attention. A black Labrador, eyes bright and alert, was bounding towards her. Its tail wagged erratically lowered between its hind legs, excitable yet anticipative of something. Miko instantly lowered to a crouch and extended a hand for the Lab to scent. It’s cool, wet nose snuffed against her fingertips, huffs of warm breath against her palm. A small smile plucked at the corners of her lips, the irresistible charm of an animal softening her exterior. The young dog, still so puppy-like in its demeanour, nuzzled its way between her knees. That soft, jet black head bumped against her hands, demanding pets and attention Miko was all too willing to give.

[quote] “[i]Hello, little one…[/i]” she crooned, tone soft yet animated, using both hands to ruffle the spot between its ears.[/quote]

She wondered if the strange store owner would be accepting of dogs amongst his precious collections. Miko’s head snapped side to side, searching for the owner.

[quote] “[i]Doo[/i],” came a loud whisper. “[i]Come here, boy[/i].”[/quote]

Doo had different plans. He’d settled nicely between Miko’s legs and seemed content receiving the enthused pats along the length of his back, tail still wagging happily. She glanced up to find the man who’d been analysing the vintage surgical tools a moment ago, another black labrador at his heel. She smiled weakly, hands still busily giving the young dog love. Well, at least she knew who this adorable animal belonged to…

[quote] “[i]I’m not sure who’s protecting who, here…[/i]” Miko said hesitantly, laughing meekly, her usual disdain for talking to strangers melting away with every nuzzle from Doo.[/quote]

She lowered her face to speak directly to the young Labrador.

[quote] “[i]Can you feel what I’m feeling, little one?[/i]” she cooed. “[i]It’s a strange place here, huh?[/i]”[/quote]

Doo seemed to be either oblivious or uncaring about the creepy atmosphere. His claws clacked against the floorboards as he shuffled excitably from paw to paw, the weight of him against her somewhat anchoring. Miko looked up, searching for that signature garish outfit that the owner was wearing. She spotted him at the other side of the store, talking to a young woman by a large mirror. Satisfied they were safe for now, permitted to continue enjoying the unexpected affections of a young dog, Miko looked up at Doo’s owner. 

[quote] “[i]He’s so friendly![/i]” she said. “[i]I bet you struggle to get anywhere fast with him saying hi to everyone he sees?”[/i][/quote] 

As she huffed a small laugh, something clattering behind her made Miko jolt. Doo startled in sync with her, the two of them craning their necks to peer behind them. One of the dusty books had fallen from the shelf overhead, landing on the worn floorboards face-down. Before she had the chance to return it to its rightful place, there was another thud as the second book tumbled from the shelf to the ground. This one landed with both leather covers parted, the spine almost audibly groaning, pages splayed like limbs. Miko’s brow furrowed. There was no one else in this corner of the store other than Miko, Doo, the other dog and their owner. No one lurking the other side of the shelves. Nothing. Then, like dominoes, the other books on the shelf began tumbling down. The sound of hardbacks colliding with the ground and paper pages crunching erupted around Miko and Doo. She got to her feet just as Doo began to huff nervously, hooking her fingers through the collar of the young Labrador, stepping over the paper carcasses that surrounded them. Seemingly out of harms way, Miko turned back to where she’d just been crouched. At least 15 books had toppled unexpectedly from their homes. It looked as if someone had rattled the brittle wooden shelves and sent them tumbling to the ground. But Miko knew that wasn’t the case. Nothing nor no one had caused this. They’d made their bid for freedom all on their own. 

Glancing at the dogs owner nervously, she wondered if perhaps he’d seen something she hadn’t. Then, worried Doo might get the blame, she began carefully returning the books to their rightful place. Slotting them back in, cover to cover, that unsettling feeling had returned to her gut. This shop had an otherworldly feel about it. She wondered whether this would be the last of the strange happenings. 

[quote] “[i]Well that was… Freaky?[/i]” she said curiously to no one in particular. Doo let out a little whine from his owners heel.[/quote]

Her voice had trailed off as she slotted the final book back into a gap. Miko half expected the owner to appear, those beady eyes and beaky face looking upon her all accusatory. She turned to face the man who clutched at his dogs leads, an equally confused expression knitted into his features. 

[quote] “[i]You saw that, right?[/i]” Miko whispered. [/quote]