CH 2 — The Crimson Wolf
A tall, shrouded figure stood outside a long defunct toy store. A truly archaic structure, as most things could be ordered online and delivered right to your home. That was all done through virtual channels such as this, but one couldn’t walk out, newly bought toy or accessory tightly clutched in your hands. You couldn’t untangle the contraption from its infuriating restraints and fiddle with it on the way home.
But there were no kids in sight, and the few customers roved about in concerted movements, touching and inspecting the same objects with renewed interest. After awhile, they slowly dispersed from the store, marking the same path with the same, stilted gait. Sometimes they bought a toy from the equally robotic cashier, but there was no joy or interaction beyond carrying the toy out. It was beyond eerie.
A new customer appeared, not stopping to glance at the figure near the door. Just like the others, the customer waited for the automatic doors to open before stepping inside. They mingled around the store, examining robot toys and bikes, before making a beeline to a shelf lined with dolls. They picked up a doll, set it down, and made an about turn to begin the rotation all over again. Eventually, they returned to collect a doll, and made their purchase at the register.
