My Life Store

fishtank – Jena Lawlor

My Life Store

Aishu Babu

My store would be a small one that looks small on the outside, but when you go inside, there is so much to see. On the outside, it looks a lot like a sturdy house; it is nothing super special. Upon entering, there is a large fireplace, which makes the store warmer and more inviting.

It would be organized into 5 sections: Books, Art, Clothing, Junk, and Cards. The book section holds all kinds of books: old, new, hardcover, and more. Some hold my fondest memories, like our annual beach trip or boating with my cousins. Others capture firsts- first time riding a bike, first time swimming. The books may seem simple, but each one contains countless details. A large book cart sits idle in the back. The books rarely move, but when they do, more always take their place- the cart is never empty. Next to the books is the art section, with pictures and paintings, each with its own story. These artworks are often overlooked, but if you pay attention, they almost come alive. Some are happy, some are sad, and some are neither. After looking at the art, you come to the clothing section. Here you’ll find clothes and accessories for all ages: onesies, hoodies, colorful dresses, bows, and boots worn by children. Each item represents a different phase of life, carrying its own memory. This is the section people notice the most. The next section is what I find the most interesting. What customers might call “junk” is actually a treasure trove. Friendship necklaces that were promised never to be removed, stuffed animals with names, old diaries full of writing, sports equipment touched only by one, and perfumes dedicated to each year- all these items tell a story. If you take the time to sort through it, you may find something unique. Unlike ordinary cards, these have handwritten notes: birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s, and more. Names are thoughtfully written on each one, capturing moments that are both personal and memorable. After exploring the store, a visitor might want to return or leave feeling completely satisfied with just one visit.