The stored looked bigger inside then it did from the outside. Daniel scanned the floor, looking for something to distract him from his day. There were only two aisles, though they were not labeled. To the side of the store, was the counter where a single person was manning the cash register. The man smiled at Daniel, who pretended not to notice and shifted his gaze to the floor before heading deeper into the store.

After a few minutes walking around, Daniel decided to buy a bag of chips. He approached the counter and tossed the bag on top of it while he dug out his wallet.

The man at the register was still smiling, but like Daniel, he said nothing. He rang up the price, which was displayed in front of the register. Daniel reached into his wallet for the money, but his hand didn't come out. He started to search the wallet more thoroughly, before tuning it upside down and shaking it. He managed to gather a few coins, but nothing more. He was short. He clenched his fists for a second before looking up at the store clerk.

"I don't have enough money. I'm having a really bad day, can I just have the chips?"

The man gave Daniel a sympathetic look.

"Sorry lad, business has been slow for the past few weeks. I can't really afford to give things away."

Daniel began to get annoyed.

"You don't understand. I am really not feeling all that great now. Can you just give me a break? I'll bring you the money tomorrow or something!"

"I'd love to help you lad, but I've got a business to run. We've all got our own troubles, you know? Maybe tomorrow, I'll get a break in my rent and you'll be able to forget whatever it is that's hanging off your shoulder. All I can do is wish you well, please understand."

Daniel gave up. He took the bag of chips and put them back on the shelf. But he decided not to leave empty handed. Just as he passed the counter on the way out, he grabbed a tiny bag of candies from the a little snack stand in front of the store. He thought that the clerk wouldn't be able to see him take it since it was basically hidden behind the counter top. Daniel quickly stuck the bag in his pocket and went for the door. As he opened it, he looked back to make sure that the clerk hadn't seen him take anything, and it seemed that way. Daniel released the door and walked back out to... the same store he had just left.

"Huh? Didn't I?"

He was so confused that he said it out loud. He quickly turned around, and pushed on the door again. This time taking full notice of what he was doing. He walked out, but he only ended up entering the store for the third time!

"What's going on?"

Daniel heard tapping coming from the counter.

"Now you went and did it. I tried to be understanding didn't I?"

The man stepped out from behind the counter and walked over to Daniel.

"You really should steal lad. It hurts an honest business. But you really shouldn't steal from wizard if you know what's good for you."

Daniel was scared stiff. He had no where to go, and after trying to get through the door, he had no doubt that the clerk really was a wizard.

"If you want those so bad"

The man snatched the candy from Daniel's hand.

"Chocolate pop, eh? Well, I've let you have them. But, you're going to work for them."

The man snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the candy stand where Daniel had taken the candies from grew a see through cover with a lock.

"As for you..."