Clara loved fashion. Dresses, skirts, shoes, jewelry, even wigs all made her smile with joy. Her walk-in closet was full of these things, tempting her to spend hours running her hand over soft fabrics and smooth leathers in all shades of the rainbow. Her favorite part of the closet, however, was the bag section. That was the center of her universe, the crowning jewel of her collection of fashionable items.
Bags of all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials sat neatly displayed under soft lights, each one unique and special in their own way. Some were themed, such as the Alice set, containing bags shaped like the White Rabbit’s Clock or the Alice Silhouette Satchel Bag – which she had in black, pink, cream, and powder blue – or even a simple black leather purse featuring the Cheerful Cheshire’s Face. Others were simpler in design, like her Cookie Purse – shaped like a delicious shortbread cookie in both pink and tan – and the single color black or white Bow Messenger Bag. She loved them all, but of course, she had a few favorites. One of them was a Pink Shoulder Bag with Wings that would make you look like you had tiny wings sprouting out of your back. It was perfect with her favorite pale pink dress and parasol.
As she looked at her collection, a small smile played on her lips, until she came to a blank spot. Sighing, she gently touched the shelf where two more bags could sit. Even if she loved bags, not just any bag could go into her display. They had to be unique, with special energy to them that called to her soul. She glanced once more at the empty spaces as she resolves hardened. Nodding to herself, she quickly got changed for the day and headed out, stopping only to grab a quick piece of toast on the way out.
Dressed in a simple black dress, coat, boots, and her Dark Rose Garden Shoulder Bag, she marched to the first of her favorite stores. It was a large boutique, full of frilly-laced dresses and floral patterns. She headed straight to their wall of bags, her eyes scanning each piece for something that called to her. There were Flower Embroidered Striped Bags in creams and light blues, and acute tote-style bag with an Autumn Bunny design. None of them were what she was looking for, so she pressed on.
Leaving the store, she walked further down the street to a darker themed gothic boutique. Here, she seemed to match the dark lace curtains that lined the walls. Gleaming silver crosses glinted in the dim lighting, as jeweled skulls smiled down at her from their perches. Antique candelabras were carefully placed in strategic places, giving Clara enough light to inspect their selection of bags, many of which she already seemed to own. She recognized the round leather shoulder bags with images of a Bat, Cross, or Dragon, as well as the larger Coffin-Shaped Shoulder Bag.
She left that store and walked to the next. All she saw were more bags that she either owned or simply was not interested in. As the hours of her mission rolled by and a small ache began to form in her leather-clad feet, she began to lose some of that determination and hope. Maybe, she thought, she didn’t need another bag. As quickly as the thought occurred to her, she brushed it aside with a vehement shake of her head. There was no such thing as too many bags or purses. Tapping her chin, she tried to think of other places she could look for some unique bags. She knew all the major stores and small boutiques, so maybe she needed a new store she hadn’t been to yet, but that would be difficult to find.
It was at this moment a small rumble sounded from her stomach. She quickly realized that it had been hours since she had her toast, which really couldn’t be counted as a real breakfast, and now it was well past lunchtime. Deciding some food and a refreshing drink would be perfect, she made her way to her favorite café. The tinkling of the bell above the door greeted her as she opened the door. The brightly lit interior invited her in, along with the smell of fresh baked goods, fresh cream, and strawberries. Finding a table, she sat and was quickly greeted by the waitress. A short while later, she was already enjoying a nice sandwich and cherry lemonade. She usually preferred a heartier meal with rice, but a sandwich was light and wouldn’t hinder her search.
A conversation at the table next to her caught her attention as she was finishing her food. The two young girls were sharing a strawberry parfait and talking about a new store that just opened. One of them was holding a flyer with images of random items.
“They even had some really interesting bags! We should go!” one girl exclaimed, making Clara instantly bolt out of her seat and walk over to them.
“Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother you, but where is this store?” she pointed at the flyer and the girls both smiled as the one holding the flyer handed it to Clara.
“This is the address of the store. It’s an online shop.” She said. Clara thanked the two girls, paid for her food, and flew out of the café.
Following her phone’s GPS carefully, she found the little boutique a few minutes later. It was such a beautiful store, with an eclectic design of modern and antique furnishings, like it didn’t quite know what it was yet. There was no set theme the store catered to, but Clara found she didn’t mind. Suddenly, everything else melted away as she honed in on two bags sitting on a small round table. Immediately she found what she wanted. Then she made the orders.
A few days later, she got her bags. The delivery of this website is too fast. she immediately headed to the two empty spots, unwrapping and placing each bag in their new home. The first was a pale peach color with a hard square design. A Baroque 3D Angel sat, perched over a rose in a gilded 3D frame. The handles were gold, and the chain shoulder strap had pearls attached to them. It’s the sister, was similar in its 3D design, with the same square hard exterior but in black. In the gilded frame was a beautiful 3D Gothic Rose in the middle. Smiling happily, she carefully adjusted each one and sighed.
She felt complete.