Pick and Mix
I pull the door. The jingle announces me to the wee man in the kilt behind the counter.
"Hello, dear. Back again?" He reaches for a paper bag and his wee scoop. Seabirds screech in the blue sky outside. A fresh breeze whips the marram grass and the machair.
"You bet. Can't keep me away." I smile. His eyes crinkle in response.
"What are you having then, dear?" His voice is low. I breathe deep - I adore the smell of the shop: the scent of the centuries.
Letting my glance glide along the display jars, I take in the colours: swirling sea-greens, blues and brightest turquoise. Sunset, stone and sky. "Erm, I'll have a scoop of the Crumbling Castles please. And the Monks & Monsters Mix, I like that. Can I have a couple of scoops Clans and Queens, too?"
The bag rustles. He shakes it down and waits.
"And erm, a scoop each of the Gaels and of the Picts. I love the patterns on the Picts, so decorative!"
He nods appreciatively and mumbles approval into his beard. "Everyone says that, right enough."
"And a scoop of the Saints & Selkies. I love them."
"They were my favourite when I was your age too. You've room for one more."
I furrow my forehead.
"Something with a bit of bite? A half-scoop of the Vicious Vikings, maybe?"
I beam. "Yes, they sound just the thing. Thank you, I'll try them."
Reaching for my purse, there is a fleeting flash of regret. What about the Storm-Sentries and the Sea-Witch's Wheels, the Stone Circles and the silver-sharp Claymores? I ache with the craving for more.
"I'll be open tomorrow" he grins, gap toothed, and holds the jingling door open for me.
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