October 31, 2022 • 20 mins
A sad and strange tale about a teenage girl who interviews for a job at a mysterious boutique.
Eager to fill the position, the merchant begins to test the girl’s capabilities with handling customers. However, when customers start dying, the girl begins to question whether or not she wants the job. After all, who wants to work at a store that sells the items of your demise?
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alabaster Catz (00:01):
Good evening, I'm Alabaster Catz. And it's
time for another tale to tell inthe dark.
Welcome to the show. Tonight isa very special night for those
(00:21):
of us sitting in the dark. It'sa night where we light our
candles, open our doors, andwitnessed the flurry of capes
and claws parading through thestreets. And what better way to
celebrate than with a tale aboutdeath. Death comes in many
forms. It can be a he, it can beshe. It can even be an animal,
(00:44):
or a mix of all three. Whichbrings us to tonight's story.
What if death was an object?
Something you bought at a store?
A piece of string, a brokenwatch a scratched coin? Would
you buy it? Or perhaps thebetter question is, would you
(01:05):
sell it? So tonight, let'sbarter our way through the sad
and the strange. And find outwhat happens when a teenage girl
interviews for a job with amerchant who sells the items of
your demise. Once again, it'stime to grab a drink, dim the
lights and trade our preciousminutes for some time in the
(01:26):
dark. The show's about to begin.
Dolores (01:53):
La Boutique de la Muerte, By Alabaster Catz.
In every city, there's a storethat everyone knows, but rarely
(02:15):
goes inside. A store with oddthings in the window display:
old jewelry, dried flowers, andsecondhand things that feel as
though the soul of the personwho once owned them is still
attached. Things you would neverbuy, but for some reason are
compelled to look at anyway. Ioften wondered how these places
stayed in business, especiallysince they're usually empty.
(02:37):
Nevertheless, it was at a shoplike this that I found my new
job. I spent most of the morningwalking along the strip looking
for work. Unfortunately, notmany stores were hiring an 18
year old with little workexperience. I had hoped to find
a job at a trendy boutique likesome of my friends, but the only
store with a help wanted signwas the odd one at the end of
(03:01):
the strip. So it was with mixedfeelings that I opened the door
and stepped inside. A tiny bellrang overhead and I was welcomed
by the pleasant smell of leatherand scented candles. The shelves
along the walls were filled withornate crucifixes, tarnished
pocket watches, taxidermiedanimals and vintage lamps.
(03:24):
Several pairs of used shoeslined the edge of the floor,
many of them without a twin. Andhanging from the ceiling were
several twig amulets, and theskulls of various birds. Within
moments, I was greeted by ayoung woman wearing a long black
dress and a single red rosepinned in her hair
The Merchant (03:43):
Buenas tardes senorita, what brings you into
the store?
Dolores (03:47):
Hi, I'm here for the open position.
The Merchant (03:50):
Maravilloso, let's take a seat at the counter.
Dolores (03:53):
Upon reaching the glass counter, I noticed that inside
were four carefully placed itemson a bed of red velvet. A large
button, a pearl ring, a piece ofused chalk and a length of black
ribbon. Taking notice of myinterest, the merchant spoke
first.
The Merchant (04:11):
See something you like?
Dolores (04:13):
Oh no, I said startled.
I was just looking. She smiledbefore moving on.
The Merchant (04:19):
Thank you for coming, eh?
Dolores (04:22):
"Dolores" I said finishing the sentence
The Merchant (04:24):
Encantada. It's a pleasure to meet you, Dolores
What do you think of my littleboutique?
Dolores (04:30):
Entertaining the question, I looked around and my
eye caught a large candle withthe picture of a saint on it. I
like it. It's really eclectic. Ican see why people come here.
Suddenly, the bell above thedoor rang and a man wearing a
blazer rushed in.
The Merchant (04:48):
Desculpame un segundo.
Dolores (04:49):
Said the merchants smiling.
The Merchant (04:51):
I must tend to my customers.
Dolores (04:54):
Smiling back I watched as the merchant approach the
man.
The Merchant (04:57):
Hola senor, what brings you into the store today.
Man (05:00):
Sorry, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. Do you have anything
that can fix this?
Dolores (05:04):
The man pointed to where a button was missing on
his blazer.
The Merchant (05:08):
Tiene suerte. I have just a thing,
Dolores (05:11):
Escorting the man to the glass counter, I watched as
she took out the large buttonand showed it to him.
Man (05:17):
That's perfect.
Dolores (05:18):
Said the man.
Man (05:19):
How much?
Dolores (05:20):
The merchant smiled and shook her head.
The Merchant (05:22):
No le puedo cobrar, pero hagamos un treque.
I cannot charge you, but I'lltrade. What do you have in your
pocket?
Dolores (05:30):
The man quickly emptied his pockets and pulled out a
matchbook.
Man (05:34):
This is all I have.
The Merchant (05:35):
Perfecto.
Dolores (05:36):
Said the merchant.
The Merchant (05:38):
I'll take it.
Dolores (05:39):
Handing the man the button, the merchant took the
matchbook and passed it to me.
The Merchant (05:43):
Dolores, can you put this in the glass case where
the button was? Gracias.
Dolores (05:49):
Accepting it. I placed it in the case. Then the
merchant grabbed a needle andthread from behind the counter
and gave it to the man.
The Merchant (05:57):
Senor, please take these with you. You will need
them.
Dolores (06:01):
Returning her smile, the man placed the button
between his teeth and acceptedthe needle and thread with his
free hands.
Man (06:08):
Thanks.
Dolores (06:09):
He replied with his teeth clenched. Then he rushed
out the door.
The Merchant (06:14):
Ahora si, continuemos. Let's continue.
Dolores (06:18):
Reaching into my backpack, I pulled out my resume
and handed it to her. I know Idon't have much work experience.
But I'm very responsible. I havea list of babysitting references
if you'd like to see them.
The Merchant (06:30):
Que Bien. I see you came well prepared.
Dolores (06:33):
Suddenly, I heard a woman outside shouting.
Pedestrian (06:36):
Sir? Are you okay?
Sir? Oh my god! I think he'schoking. Someone help!
Dolores (06:44):
I glanced at the merchant and saw that she was
still reading my resume. Curiousto see what was happening
outside, I leaned over to look.
But then notice she had turnedher attention to me
The Merchant (06:54):
Todo bien? Are you alright?
Dolores (06:57):
Yeah, I said hesitantly. I just thought I
heard-
The Merchant (07:02):
It says here that you were a volunteer at the fire
department. Can you tell meabout that experience?
Dolores (07:08):
Resting back into my chair. I refocused my attention
on the interview. Yes, it waslast summer during the forest
fires. I was a volunteerfirefighter. My job was to
respond to emergencies andadminister first aid.
The Merchant (07:22):
Oh, le gusta ayudar la gente. You like to
help people. Que noble.
Dolores (07:28):
I guess so. I volunteered because they needed
people with first aid training.
I got mine from babysitting. Igot certified because I thought
it was something important tohave if I was going to be
watching over kids. The merchantleaned closer.
The Merchant (07:42):
Interesante.
Dolores (07:43):
She said nodding with approval.
The Merchant (07:46):
It seems you know how to handle yourself in high
stress situations. We get a lotof that here. Quenta me, what
would you do if a customerwalked in and...
Dolores (07:56):
Suddenly, the bell above the door rang and an
elderly woman wearing a shawland a handbag stepped inside.
The Merchant (08:02):
Desculpa.
Dolores (08:03):
Said the merchant apologetically.
The Merchant (08:05):
I have another customer.
Dolores (08:07):
Standing up from her seat. She greeted the older
woman with a smile.
The Merchant (08:11):
Hola senora. What brings you into the store today?
Mallory (08:14):
My what beautiful flowers?
Dolores (08:17):
She said, looking at the window display.
Mallory (08:19):
What are they?
The Merchant (08:21):
Muchas gracias.
They're called maravillas,marigolds in English.
Mallory (08:26):
Oh, they're quite lovely. I don't see them very
often. That again, I don't getout much. Normally I just stay
home and clean. But every oncein a while I say to myself,
Mallory, you should go shoppingtoday. And that's what I did. I
took the bus got off at one endof the street and walked to the
(08:47):
other. And wouldn't you know it?
The whole street was filled withshops. It really is something.
All the beautiful jewelry in thewindows. They're not really my
style though. I'm more of aclassic kind of gal.
Dolores (09:02):
The merchant smiled.
The Merchant (09:03):
Classica eh? I have just a thing for you.
Mallory (09:06):
Oh, I don't think I could afford anything.
The Merchant (09:09):
No hay ningun problema. Hoy es su dia. Today
is your day.
Dolores (09:15):
The merchant linked her arm around Mallory's and guided
her to the glass counter.
The Merchant (09:20):
Dolores, saca el anillo de perlas por favor.
Dolores (09:23):
I pointed at the pearl ring in the glass case.
The Merchant (09:26):
Si ese es.
Dolores (09:28):
Sliding open the case, I took out the ring and handed
it to Mallory.
Mallory (09:33):
It's beautiful! May I try it on?
Dolores (09:37):
I looked over at the merchant and she nodded. Then I
took the ring and placed it onMallory's finger. In an instant,
her eyes welled with tears.
Mallory (09:46):
It's lovely.
Dolores (09:47):
She said her voice quivering.
Mallory (09:50):
It looks like the ring my mother wore when I was a
little girl.
Dolores (09:54):
The merchant smiled
The Merchant (09:55):
Bien entonces, It's yours.
Mallory (09:58):
Oh, but I couldn't possibly...
The Merchant (10:00):
Not for free.
Dolores (10:01):
She quickly added.
The Merchant (10:02):
For a trade.
Dolores (10:04):
Mallory's eyes widened and she began to rummage through
her handbag. A moment later, shepulled out a frayed sequined
coin pouch.
Mallory (10:11):
I have this?
Dolores (10:13):
She offered. The merchant looked at it closely,
then nodded.
The Merchant (10:17):
Hecho. Done.
Dolores, can you put this in thecase where the ring was?
Gracias.
Dolores (10:24):
Smiling at the merchants generosity, I took the
pouch and placed it in the case.
Mallory (10:29):
Oh, thank you so much dear. This is truly lovely.
The Merchant (10:34):
Por nada, it's nothing. Have a great rest of
your day.
Dolores (10:38):
Once again, the merchant link arms with Mallory
and walked her to the door.
Mallory (10:42):
I will.
Dolores (10:43):
Said Mallory.
Mallory (10:44):
Thank you.
Dolores (10:46):
After exiting the shop, Mallory turned to give the
merchant a parting comment.
Mallory (10:51):
I think I'll take it off and put it in my purse. Just
to be safe.
Dolores (10:55):
The merchant didn't reply. She simply closed the
door and returned to thecounter. But just as she did,
Mallory dropped the ring andchased it out of sight. Seeming
not to notice the merchant satdown and smiled at me.
The Merchant (11:08):
Gracias por su paciencia. I apologize for the
interruptions.
Dolores (11:12):
It's okay. I said politely. You have customers and
I like helping people.
The Merchant (11:17):
I'm glad to hear it. Es lo que hacemos aqui.
That's what we do here.
Dolores (11:24):
Suddenly, I heard screeching tires followed by a
dull thump. Standing up from myseat, I began moving towards the
door but was stopped by themerchant.
The Merchant (11:33):
Adonde vas? Where are you going?
Dolores (11:35):
I think someone just got hit by a car! The merchant
glared at me and her voicesnapped like cracking ice.
The Merchant (11:42):
That's not your concern!
Dolores (11:45):
Startled, I fell back into my chair. What do you mean?
The Merchant (11:50):
Your job is to assist each customer that walks
through that door. Not tointerfere with what happens when
they leave. Entiendes?
Dolores (11:58):
I-I understand. Then the merchants voice softened and
the warmth of her smilereturned.
The Merchant (12:08):
Ahora es tu turno.
I would like for you to handlethe next customer.
Dolores (12:13):
Recovering my composure, I nodded. Okay, but
what if they want to buysomething? How do I ring them
up?
That won't be needed? Just askthe customer to make a trade.
The merchant then stood up andmoved to the corner of the shop.
After a short time the bellabove the door rang and two
(12:33):
young women stepped inside.
The Blonde (12:35):
Ew! I think this is a thrift store.
Dolores (12:37):
Said the blonde carrying an armful of shopping
bags. Her brunette friendgiggled. Putting on my best
mile. I greeted them. Welcomessenoritas. What brings you into
the store?
The Blonde (12:48):
Senoritas!
Dolores (12:50):
The blonde repeated, endorsing the term. Then she
approached me and set her bagson the counter.
The Blonde (12:56):
Do you have any hair clips? I'm on my way to see my
boyfriend and he's taking me fora ride in his new Jeep, so...
Dolores (13:03):
I glanced at the black ribbon resting in the case. Hair
clips? Those are for face masksand workouts. You need something
more elegant, something trendy.
The Blonde (13:14):
Mhmm!
Dolores (13:14):
Replied the blonde emphatically. I have just the
thing. Opening the case. I tookout the ribbon and handed it to
her.
The Blonde (13:21):
Oh, that's actually really cute. Total vintage
vibes. I love it. How much?
Dolores (13:27):
A simple trade, I replied. The blonde furrowed her
brow.
The Blonde (13:31):
Um, excuse me? Is this like a pawn shop or
something?
Dolores (13:35):
No seniorita. That's just the price. The blonde
stared at me for a moment beforedismissing the notion.
The Blonde (13:41):
Ugh, whatever.
Dolores (13:43):
Then she began to rummage through her purse until
she pulled out a heavilyscratched key.
The Blonde (13:47):
What about this?
Dolores (13:49):
She asked with a smirk.
The Blonde (13:50):
It's the key to my ex boyfriends car.
Dolores (13:53):
I looked at the merchant and she nodded. Deal. I
replied. The blonde set the keyon the counter and laughed.
The Blonde (14:00):
Awesome. You can keep the change.
Dolores (14:02):
Then she tied her hair with the ribbon and looked at
her reflection in the window.
Satisfied, the two ladies exitedthe store. However, just as the
blonde crossed the threshold ofthe shop, a spark jumped from a
neon sign and the black ribboncaught on fire. She screamed as
her friend desperately tried tosmother the flames. I
immediately jumped out frombehind the counter and raced
towards the door when themerchant grabbed my wrist. A
(14:25):
spike of pain shot through myarm like an icicle.
The Merchant (14:30):
Pone la llave en el estuche. Put the key in the
case.
Dolores (14:34):
I pulled away as hard as I could. But the merchant
held fast without the slighteststruggle. She needs help. I
shouted.
The Merchant (14:42):
You have already helped her. No hay nada mas que
puede hacer.
Dolores (14:47):
What do you mean there's nothing more I can do?
What's wrong with you? Let's goof me! Her eyes softened.
The Merchant (14:57):
Tranquila Dolores.
There's no need for you to fightit anymore.
Dolores (15:02):
What's that supposed to mean? The merchant frowned?
The Merchant (15:06):
You don't remember. Do you?
Dolores (15:08):
Remember? Remember what? Releasing her grip, she
gently placed your hands on mycheeks.
The Merchant (15:14):
You've been here before?
Dolores (15:16):
No. I said pulling away. I haven't.
The Merchant (15:19):
Si mija, you have.
You came into my shop monthsago. You needed a new pair of
gloves. Otherwise you wouldn'tbe allowed to go on assignment.
You were wearing a white uniformthat day with a black ribbon in
your hair.
Dolores (15:35):
I looked back at the glass case and was stricken with
deja vu. I recalled a pair oftattered leather gloves resting
on a bed of velvet and handingover a black ribbon before
leaving the boutique. I sawflashes of a burning house and
the face of someone trappedinside. I felt the flames on my
skin and the tiny arms of alittle boy wrapped around my
(15:57):
neck. Then I heard the ceilingcrack and the last thing I saw
were the walls crashing downaround me. When my senses
returned, I was back in theboutique, my face wet with
tears.
The Merchant (16:11):
Te aquerdas?
Dolores (16:12):
Asked the merchant.
Yes, I whispered. I remember.
Then I looked at her. Why am Ihere? What do you want from me?
The merchant smiled.
The Merchant (16:24):
Tu compassion.
That's what brought you here.
Even after death, you seek onlyto help people. This is why it
must be you.
Dolores (16:35):
Me? For what?
The Merchant (16:38):
My replacement.
Dolores (16:40):
Moving past me, the merchant went behind the counter
to retrieve a long black coat.
The Merchant (16:45):
Many people think death is cold and dark. But it
doesn't have to be. It can bewarm and pleasant. This is why
you must welcome all who enterthe boutique. It is your job to
help them now. Without you theywill lose their way.
Dolores (17:03):
Putting on the coat.
She made her way to the door.
The Merchant (17:06):
The boutique is yours now. Remember, you must
attend to the needs of all whopass through these doors. What
happens outside is no longeryour concern. Entiendes?
Dolores (17:19):
Wiping away my tears. I straightened up and took a deep
breath. I understand
The Merchant (17:27):
Bueno. Time to go.
Dolores (17:30):
Then the merchant opened the door to leave, but I
stopped her with one lastquestion. Wait, who are you? The
merchant replied without turningaround.
The Merchant (17:41):
In the old days, a merchant was identified by the
tools they used. If you carrieda hammer, you were a blacksmith.
If a needle, a tailor. Butnowadays, it is difficult to
tell a merchant's businesssimply by looking at them.
However, one thing will neverchange. The services we provide.
(18:05):
For no matter the age, therewill always be metal to be
worked, patterns to be stitchedand a harvest to be reaped.
Dolores (18:16):
When the door closed, the merchant was gone and I was
alone. Unsure as to what wouldhappen next, I took a seat
behind the counter and waited.
Within moments, the bell abovethe door rang and a man stepped
inside. Composing myself, I tooka deep breath and smiled at my
first customer. Hola senior.
(18:36):
What brings you into the storetoday?
Alabaster Catz (19:04):
That concludes our show for the evening. Thank
you for listening to theAlabaster Catz podcast and I
hope you enjoyed my presence inthe room. Next time, we'll
explore the creepy and thequaint as we listen to the lost
tapes of a woman who must stayawake to fight the entity that's
tormenting her. If you likedwhat you heard tonight, leave us
(19:27):
a review and be sure to tell afriend about my visitation. Once
again, thank you for joining us,I'm Alabaster Catz. And
remember, the best stories arethe ones we tell in the dark.
Special thanks to tonight'svoice talent Arya Demeris for
(19:48):
her role is Dolores, CitlaSantana for her role as The
Merchant, Sammy Price for herroles as The pedestrian, Mallory
and The Blonde and AdrianGonzalez for his role as The
Button Man
Good evening, I'm Alabaster Catz. And it's
time for another tale to tell inthe dark.
Welcome to the show. Tonight isa very special night for those
(00:21):
of us sitting in the dark. It'sa night where we light our
candles, open our doors, andwitnessed the flurry of capes
and claws parading through thestreets. And what better way to
celebrate than with a tale aboutdeath. Death comes in many
forms. It can be a he, it can beshe. It can even be an animal,
(00:44):
or a mix of all three. Whichbrings us to tonight's story.
What if death was an object?
Something you bought at a store?
A piece of string, a brokenwatch a scratched coin? Would
you buy it? Or perhaps thebetter question is, would you
(01:05):
sell it? So tonight, let'sbarter our way through the sad
and the strange. And find outwhat happens when a teenage girl
interviews for a job with amerchant who sells the items of
your demise. Once again, it'stime to grab a drink, dim the
lights and trade our preciousminutes for some time in the
(01:26):
dark. The show's about to begin.
Dolores (01:53):
La Boutique de la Muerte, By Alabaster Catz.
In every city, there's a storethat everyone knows, but rarely
(02:15):
goes inside. A store with oddthings in the window display:
old jewelry, dried flowers, andsecondhand things that feel as
though the soul of the personwho once owned them is still
attached. Things you would neverbuy, but for some reason are
compelled to look at anyway. Ioften wondered how these places
stayed in business, especiallysince they're usually empty.
(02:37):
Nevertheless, it was at a shoplike this that I found my new
job. I spent most of the morningwalking along the strip looking
for work. Unfortunately, notmany stores were hiring an 18
year old with little workexperience. I had hoped to find
a job at a trendy boutique likesome of my friends, but the only
store with a help wanted signwas the odd one at the end of
(03:01):
the strip. So it was with mixedfeelings that I opened the door
and stepped inside. A tiny bellrang overhead and I was welcomed
by the pleasant smell of leatherand scented candles. The shelves
along the walls were filled withornate crucifixes, tarnished
pocket watches, taxidermiedanimals and vintage lamps.
(03:24):
Several pairs of used shoeslined the edge of the floor,
many of them without a twin. Andhanging from the ceiling were
several twig amulets, and theskulls of various birds. Within
moments, I was greeted by ayoung woman wearing a long black
dress and a single red rosepinned in her hair
The Merchant (03:43):
Buenas tardes senorita, what brings you into
the store?
Dolores (03:47):
Hi, I'm here for the open position.
The Merchant (03:50):
Maravilloso, let's take a seat at the counter.
Dolores (03:53):
Upon reaching the glass counter, I noticed that inside
were four carefully placed itemson a bed of red velvet. A large
button, a pearl ring, a piece ofused chalk and a length of black
ribbon. Taking notice of myinterest, the merchant spoke
first.
The Merchant (04:11):
See something you like?
Dolores (04:13):
Oh no, I said startled.
I was just looking. She smiledbefore moving on.
The Merchant (04:19):
Thank you for coming, eh?
Dolores (04:22):
"Dolores" I said finishing the sentence
The Merchant (04:24):
Encantada. It's a pleasure to meet you, Dolores
What do you think of my littleboutique?
Dolores (04:30):
Entertaining the question, I looked around and my
eye caught a large candle withthe picture of a saint on it. I
like it. It's really eclectic. Ican see why people come here.
Suddenly, the bell above thedoor rang and a man wearing a
blazer rushed in.
The Merchant (04:48):
Desculpame un segundo.
Dolores (04:49):
Said the merchants smiling.
The Merchant (04:51):
I must tend to my customers.
Dolores (04:54):
Smiling back I watched as the merchant approach the
man.
The Merchant (04:57):
Hola senor, what brings you into the store today.
Man (05:00):
Sorry, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. Do you have anything
that can fix this?
Dolores (05:04):
The man pointed to where a button was missing on
his blazer.
The Merchant (05:08):
Tiene suerte. I have just a thing,
Dolores (05:11):
Escorting the man to the glass counter, I watched as
she took out the large buttonand showed it to him.
Man (05:17):
That's perfect.
Dolores (05:18):
Said the man.
Man (05:19):
How much?
Dolores (05:20):
The merchant smiled and shook her head.
The Merchant (05:22):
No le puedo cobrar, pero hagamos un treque.
I cannot charge you, but I'lltrade. What do you have in your
pocket?
Dolores (05:30):
The man quickly emptied his pockets and pulled out a
matchbook.
Man (05:34):
This is all I have.
The Merchant (05:35):
Perfecto.
Dolores (05:36):
Said the merchant.
The Merchant (05:38):
I'll take it.
Dolores (05:39):
Handing the man the button, the merchant took the
matchbook and passed it to me.
The Merchant (05:43):
Dolores, can you put this in the glass case where
the button was? Gracias.
Dolores (05:49):
Accepting it. I placed it in the case. Then the
merchant grabbed a needle andthread from behind the counter
and gave it to the man.
The Merchant (05:57):
Senor, please take these with you. You will need
them.
Dolores (06:01):
Returning her smile, the man placed the button
between his teeth and acceptedthe needle and thread with his
free hands.
Man (06:08):
Thanks.
Dolores (06:09):
He replied with his teeth clenched. Then he rushed
out the door.
The Merchant (06:14):
Ahora si, continuemos. Let's continue.
Dolores (06:18):
Reaching into my backpack, I pulled out my resume
and handed it to her. I know Idon't have much work experience.
But I'm very responsible. I havea list of babysitting references
if you'd like to see them.
The Merchant (06:30):
Que Bien. I see you came well prepared.
Dolores (06:33):
Suddenly, I heard a woman outside shouting.
Pedestrian (06:36):
Sir? Are you okay?
Sir? Oh my god! I think he'schoking. Someone help!
Dolores (06:44):
I glanced at the merchant and saw that she was
still reading my resume. Curiousto see what was happening
outside, I leaned over to look.
But then notice she had turnedher attention to me
The Merchant (06:54):
Todo bien? Are you alright?
Dolores (06:57):
Yeah, I said hesitantly. I just thought I
heard-
The Merchant (07:02):
It says here that you were a volunteer at the fire
department. Can you tell meabout that experience?
Dolores (07:08):
Resting back into my chair. I refocused my attention
on the interview. Yes, it waslast summer during the forest
fires. I was a volunteerfirefighter. My job was to
respond to emergencies andadminister first aid.
The Merchant (07:22):
Oh, le gusta ayudar la gente. You like to
help people. Que noble.
Dolores (07:28):
I guess so. I volunteered because they needed
people with first aid training.
I got mine from babysitting. Igot certified because I thought
it was something important tohave if I was going to be
watching over kids. The merchantleaned closer.
The Merchant (07:42):
Interesante.
Dolores (07:43):
She said nodding with approval.
The Merchant (07:46):
It seems you know how to handle yourself in high
stress situations. We get a lotof that here. Quenta me, what
would you do if a customerwalked in and...
Dolores (07:56):
Suddenly, the bell above the door rang and an
elderly woman wearing a shawland a handbag stepped inside.
The Merchant (08:02):
Desculpa.
Dolores (08:03):
Said the merchant apologetically.
The Merchant (08:05):
I have another customer.
Dolores (08:07):
Standing up from her seat. She greeted the older
woman with a smile.
The Merchant (08:11):
Hola senora. What brings you into the store today?
Mallory (08:14):
My what beautiful flowers?
Dolores (08:17):
She said, looking at the window display.
Mallory (08:19):
What are they?
The Merchant (08:21):
Muchas gracias.
They're called maravillas,marigolds in English.
Mallory (08:26):
Oh, they're quite lovely. I don't see them very
often. That again, I don't getout much. Normally I just stay
home and clean. But every oncein a while I say to myself,
Mallory, you should go shoppingtoday. And that's what I did. I
took the bus got off at one endof the street and walked to the
(08:47):
other. And wouldn't you know it?
The whole street was filled withshops. It really is something.
All the beautiful jewelry in thewindows. They're not really my
style though. I'm more of aclassic kind of gal.
Dolores (09:02):
The merchant smiled.
The Merchant (09:03):
Classica eh? I have just a thing for you.
Mallory (09:06):
Oh, I don't think I could afford anything.
The Merchant (09:09):
No hay ningun problema. Hoy es su dia. Today
is your day.
Dolores (09:15):
The merchant linked her arm around Mallory's and guided
her to the glass counter.
The Merchant (09:20):
Dolores, saca el anillo de perlas por favor.
Dolores (09:23):
I pointed at the pearl ring in the glass case.
The Merchant (09:26):
Si ese es.
Dolores (09:28):
Sliding open the case, I took out the ring and handed
it to Mallory.
Mallory (09:33):
It's beautiful! May I try it on?
Dolores (09:37):
I looked over at the merchant and she nodded. Then I
took the ring and placed it onMallory's finger. In an instant,
her eyes welled with tears.
Mallory (09:46):
It's lovely.
Dolores (09:47):
She said her voice quivering.
Mallory (09:50):
It looks like the ring my mother wore when I was a
little girl.
Dolores (09:54):
The merchant smiled
The Merchant (09:55):
Bien entonces, It's yours.
Mallory (09:58):
Oh, but I couldn't possibly...
The Merchant (10:00):
Not for free.
Dolores (10:01):
She quickly added.
The Merchant (10:02):
For a trade.
Dolores (10:04):
Mallory's eyes widened and she began to rummage through
her handbag. A moment later, shepulled out a frayed sequined
coin pouch.
Mallory (10:11):
I have this?
Dolores (10:13):
She offered. The merchant looked at it closely,
then nodded.
The Merchant (10:17):
Hecho. Done.
Dolores, can you put this in thecase where the ring was?
Gracias.
Dolores (10:24):
Smiling at the merchants generosity, I took the
pouch and placed it in the case.
Mallory (10:29):
Oh, thank you so much dear. This is truly lovely.
The Merchant (10:34):
Por nada, it's nothing. Have a great rest of
your day.
Dolores (10:38):
Once again, the merchant link arms with Mallory
and walked her to the door.
Mallory (10:42):
I will.
Dolores (10:43):
Said Mallory.
Mallory (10:44):
Thank you.
Dolores (10:46):
After exiting the shop, Mallory turned to give the
merchant a parting comment.
Mallory (10:51):
I think I'll take it off and put it in my purse. Just
to be safe.
Dolores (10:55):
The merchant didn't reply. She simply closed the
door and returned to thecounter. But just as she did,
Mallory dropped the ring andchased it out of sight. Seeming
not to notice the merchant satdown and smiled at me.
The Merchant (11:08):
Gracias por su paciencia. I apologize for the
interruptions.
Dolores (11:12):
It's okay. I said politely. You have customers and
I like helping people.
The Merchant (11:17):
I'm glad to hear it. Es lo que hacemos aqui.
That's what we do here.
Dolores (11:24):
Suddenly, I heard screeching tires followed by a
dull thump. Standing up from myseat, I began moving towards the
door but was stopped by themerchant.
The Merchant (11:33):
Adonde vas? Where are you going?
Dolores (11:35):
I think someone just got hit by a car! The merchant
glared at me and her voicesnapped like cracking ice.
The Merchant (11:42):
That's not your concern!
Dolores (11:45):
Startled, I fell back into my chair. What do you mean?
The Merchant (11:50):
Your job is to assist each customer that walks
through that door. Not tointerfere with what happens when
they leave. Entiendes?
Dolores (11:58):
I-I understand. Then the merchants voice softened and
the warmth of her smilereturned.
The Merchant (12:08):
Ahora es tu turno.
I would like for you to handlethe next customer.
Dolores (12:13):
Recovering my composure, I nodded. Okay, but
what if they want to buysomething? How do I ring them
up?
That won't be needed? Just askthe customer to make a trade.
The merchant then stood up andmoved to the corner of the shop.
After a short time the bellabove the door rang and two
(12:33):
young women stepped inside.
The Blonde (12:35):
Ew! I think this is a thrift store.
Dolores (12:37):
Said the blonde carrying an armful of shopping
bags. Her brunette friendgiggled. Putting on my best
mile. I greeted them. Welcomessenoritas. What brings you into
the store?
The Blonde (12:48):
Senoritas!
Dolores (12:50):
The blonde repeated, endorsing the term. Then she
approached me and set her bagson the counter.
The Blonde (12:56):
Do you have any hair clips? I'm on my way to see my
boyfriend and he's taking me fora ride in his new Jeep, so...
Dolores (13:03):
I glanced at the black ribbon resting in the case. Hair
clips? Those are for face masksand workouts. You need something
more elegant, something trendy.
The Blonde (13:14):
Mhmm!
Dolores (13:14):
Replied the blonde emphatically. I have just the
thing. Opening the case. I tookout the ribbon and handed it to
her.
The Blonde (13:21):
Oh, that's actually really cute. Total vintage
vibes. I love it. How much?
Dolores (13:27):
A simple trade, I replied. The blonde furrowed her
brow.
The Blonde (13:31):
Um, excuse me? Is this like a pawn shop or
something?
Dolores (13:35):
No seniorita. That's just the price. The blonde
stared at me for a moment beforedismissing the notion.
The Blonde (13:41):
Ugh, whatever.
Dolores (13:43):
Then she began to rummage through her purse until
she pulled out a heavilyscratched key.
The Blonde (13:47):
What about this?
Dolores (13:49):
She asked with a smirk.
The Blonde (13:50):
It's the key to my ex boyfriends car.
Dolores (13:53):
I looked at the merchant and she nodded. Deal. I
replied. The blonde set the keyon the counter and laughed.
The Blonde (14:00):
Awesome. You can keep the change.
Dolores (14:02):
Then she tied her hair with the ribbon and looked at
her reflection in the window.
Satisfied, the two ladies exitedthe store. However, just as the
blonde crossed the threshold ofthe shop, a spark jumped from a
neon sign and the black ribboncaught on fire. She screamed as
her friend desperately tried tosmother the flames. I
immediately jumped out frombehind the counter and raced
towards the door when themerchant grabbed my wrist. A
(14:25):
spike of pain shot through myarm like an icicle.
The Merchant (14:30):
Pone la llave en el estuche. Put the key in the
case.
Dolores (14:34):
I pulled away as hard as I could. But the merchant
held fast without the slighteststruggle. She needs help. I
shouted.
The Merchant (14:42):
You have already helped her. No hay nada mas que
puede hacer.
Dolores (14:47):
What do you mean there's nothing more I can do?
What's wrong with you? Let's goof me! Her eyes softened.
The Merchant (14:57):
Tranquila Dolores.
There's no need for you to fightit anymore.
Dolores (15:02):
What's that supposed to mean? The merchant frowned?
The Merchant (15:06):
You don't remember. Do you?
Dolores (15:08):
Remember? Remember what? Releasing her grip, she
gently placed your hands on mycheeks.
The Merchant (15:14):
You've been here before?
Dolores (15:16):
No. I said pulling away. I haven't.
The Merchant (15:19):
Si mija, you have.
You came into my shop monthsago. You needed a new pair of
gloves. Otherwise you wouldn'tbe allowed to go on assignment.
You were wearing a white uniformthat day with a black ribbon in
your hair.
Dolores (15:35):
I looked back at the glass case and was stricken with
deja vu. I recalled a pair oftattered leather gloves resting
on a bed of velvet and handingover a black ribbon before
leaving the boutique. I sawflashes of a burning house and
the face of someone trappedinside. I felt the flames on my
skin and the tiny arms of alittle boy wrapped around my
(15:57):
neck. Then I heard the ceilingcrack and the last thing I saw
were the walls crashing downaround me. When my senses
returned, I was back in theboutique, my face wet with
tears.
The Merchant (16:11):
Te aquerdas?
Dolores (16:12):
Asked the merchant.
Yes, I whispered. I remember.
Then I looked at her. Why am Ihere? What do you want from me?
The merchant smiled.
The Merchant (16:24):
Tu compassion.
That's what brought you here.
Even after death, you seek onlyto help people. This is why it
must be you.
Dolores (16:35):
Me? For what?
The Merchant (16:38):
My replacement.
Dolores (16:40):
Moving past me, the merchant went behind the counter
to retrieve a long black coat.
The Merchant (16:45):
Many people think death is cold and dark. But it
doesn't have to be. It can bewarm and pleasant. This is why
you must welcome all who enterthe boutique. It is your job to
help them now. Without you theywill lose their way.
Dolores (17:03):
Putting on the coat.
She made her way to the door.
The Merchant (17:06):
The boutique is yours now. Remember, you must
attend to the needs of all whopass through these doors. What
happens outside is no longeryour concern. Entiendes?
Dolores (17:19):
Wiping away my tears. I straightened up and took a deep
breath. I understand
The Merchant (17:27):
Bueno. Time to go.
Dolores (17:30):
Then the merchant opened the door to leave, but I
stopped her with one lastquestion. Wait, who are you? The
merchant replied without turningaround.
The Merchant (17:41):
In the old days, a merchant was identified by the
tools they used. If you carrieda hammer, you were a blacksmith.
If a needle, a tailor. Butnowadays, it is difficult to
tell a merchant's businesssimply by looking at them.
However, one thing will neverchange. The services we provide.
(18:05):
For no matter the age, therewill always be metal to be
worked, patterns to be stitchedand a harvest to be reaped.
Dolores (18:16):
When the door closed, the merchant was gone and I was
alone. Unsure as to what wouldhappen next, I took a seat
behind the counter and waited.
Within moments, the bell abovethe door rang and a man stepped
inside. Composing myself, I tooka deep breath and smiled at my
first customer. Hola senior.
(18:36):
What brings you into the storetoday?
Alabaster Catz (19:04):
That concludes our show for the evening. Thank
you for listening to theAlabaster Catz podcast and I
hope you enjoyed my presence inthe room. Next time, we'll
explore the creepy and thequaint as we listen to the lost
tapes of a woman who must stayawake to fight the entity that's
tormenting her. If you likedwhat you heard tonight, leave us
(19:27):
a review and be sure to tell afriend about my visitation. Once
again, thank you for joining us,I'm Alabaster Catz. And
remember, the best stories arethe ones we tell in the dark.
Special thanks to tonight'svoice talent Arya Demeris for
(19:48):
her role is Dolores, CitlaSantana for her role as The
Merchant, Sammy Price for herroles as The pedestrian, Mallory
and The Blonde and AdrianGonzalez for his role as The
Button Man
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