I took a few steps to my right, and the commentary continued. “You are approaching The Crystal Corner. Doors are automatic, and the retail desk sits at the back left corner of the store.”
I turned to Ava. “You were right. I’m officially in love with this mall.”
“What do they do?” she asked.
“The headphones direct me wherever I need to go, based on where I am in the mall,” I said. “It kind of works like a GPS system. I can find my way around by myself without having to rely on someone to direct me.”
“Charlie, that’s really great.” Ava’s voice had become soft. “I wish things had always been like that for you.”
“I’m really happy to have it now,” I said. “Come on, let’s keep exploring.”
With the use of the headphones,Iwas able to lead the way, for once, and it actually felt like I had a layout of where I was going with the headphones directing me. We entered The Crystal Corner, which I could tell without having to be told was a store full of magical crystals. The power from them resonated off of every shelf. It smelled of incense, and I could feel the crystals interacting with my magic— like they were inviting me to take them home.
“Kallie would love it here,” Ava said. “We need to bring her next—ooh, quartz dicks!”
“Are you kidding me?” I asked.
“No way! There are crystals here that are literally shaped like penises! Ineedone!” she shouted.
Ava went off to look at the unfortunately-shaped crystals, but I wandered to the other side of the store. I was less intrigued by the crystals and more interested in how accessible the mall was. I ran my hand over the braille plaques that labeled each aisle, and stopped next to a display of bracelets and felt each one.
An employee approached. “Is there anything I can help you find, my prince?”
Ava’s laughter rang across the store. I smiled. I was glad this was making her so happy.
“I’d like to buy something for my wife,” I said. “What are the different crystals used for?”
“You have a lot of options depending on what you’re looking for,” she said. “All our crystals are cleansed and charged under the full moon. Amethyst is used for healing and spiritual connection. Rose quartz is a crystal for love. Citrine is excellent for manifesting wealth. Lepidolite stabilizes emotions.”
The last crystal had my attention. “Tell me more about that one.”
The employee picked up one of the bracelets and handed it to me so I could feel the stones. “Lepidolite comes in shades of purple and pink. It’s known to naturally contain lithium, which can be used to treat mood disorders, release stress, and promote better sleep. It’s long been believed that lepidolite can help people overcome mental trauma, and protect them from negative influences.”
Everything about the stone sounded perfect. This would really help Ava.
“This is the one I want,” I stated confidently.
The employee took me to the counter, and I quickly checked out before Ava placed a few items for herself at the checkout. I noticed the counter was low enough for her to check out comfortably in her wheelchair. She could see over the top of it easily.
I was so surprised that everything in this mall was so accessible. I kept thinking this was a dream, and at some point we’d run into a really rude person or an inconvenience we couldn’t get around. But so far, we hadn’t hit any yet.
“Look at what I got.” Ava pressed a cold crystal into my palm.
I ran my hand over it and scowled. “Ava! This is a dick.”
“I know!” she replied happily. “Isn’t it great?”
“You know this is fordisplay only,” I scolded.
“Well, that’s limited thinking.”
I sighed, before I handed it to the cashier. “This too, please.”
The cashier gave a slight giggle, before she handed me another bag. “That rose quartz phallic crystal is a customer favorite. It inspires romance and passion.”
“Then it'll look great in our bedroom,” Ava said eagerly.
I sighed. “Anything for you, princess.”
