Magic Shop

A building no bigger than a hotel stands in front of me. The walls aged but sturdy, peeling at the edges, graffitied by muck. In the centre of the building rests a circular window. It’s hazy appearance makes it hard to see through. Only silhouettes shine, some larger than the window itself. Others speckle the glass.

My attention moves away from the window as I step towards the entrance. I am offered a large helmet. Newer than the building, I accept. Tinted glass wraps around the exterior allowing for a full view. A worried face reflects from the glass cover. My own. wary of any cracks or dents, I put the sleek helmet on

The door is clear glass, patterned with rainbow colour. The edges, a gold metallic metal. A silver handle calls for my attention. I push the door and with an unsettling creak it pans open to reveal the inside. An aquarium. The outside appearance of muck and distress, is the opposite of the inside. Abstract paintings and engraved designs coat the white walls. Detailed pictures show mythical creatures, like the ones from books or movies. The paint looks as if it was done yesterday. Still so fresh and lively through the lake full of water. Decorated by diverse shapes and colours. It is lit by the outside light glowing from the massive windows that reach to the sky. Swimming in the water. A million different creatures.

Surrounded by a school of fish, bright and colourful, they float pass me. Strong rushes of water nudge them forward on a never ending journey. I sway side to side, hugged by the currents of water, like a mother rocking her baby. A small fish knocks into my helmet. greens, pinks and blues dance along the fishes body, making defined patterns. So many colours on one small surface yet they all stand out. I imagine touching the fish. The smooth texture made for sliding through water. Its eyes, bright purple, twinkling like stars in the night sky. With one graceful movement the fish manoeuvres away. The only thing left, a trail of glistening water.

Every animal is unique. A Different shape, colour, pattern and size. Emerging from the distance is an enormous shape. A whale. Not a normal whale. Its large body, drenched with colour. The head is an aqua blue, blending into its surroundings. But the further along the animal swims, I notice different colours. An ombre. The enormous tail is a deep green. With one powerful movement it could destroy me. It is peaceful though, a gentle giant of the sea. Allowing for fish to hang on, resting and letting the huge creature take their weight. Some look like grains of sand hiding away. While others stand out, their colours vivid on the whales dark skin.

For one last moment I admire the great aquarium. The smell of the refreshing water and the feeling of being submerged. A few steps away is the exit. The same glass door, gold edges, shimmering with outside light.