Photograph

The bell above the door jingled as you stepped inside the shop. The scent of aged wood and faint traces of old paper filled the air, mingling with the warmth of afternoon sunlight filtering through the windows.

“Oh, welcome, my dear!” an old woman greeted from behind the counter, her voice soft yet cheerful. She adjusted her spectacles, watching as you browsed the shelves. “Here to buy a camera?”

You hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yes…” You answered meekly as your eyes roamed around the shop, looking at the numerous cameras and printed pictures displayed. You then finally turned to look at the old woman. “Umm… this is my first time buying one. So, if it’s possible… could you help me out?” Your fingers fidgeted with the axolotl keychain on your bag, a nervous habit.

The old woman’s smile was gentle, reassuring. “Of course, dear. Tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll help you find the perfect one.”

You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. “I want something simple and easy to use. Small enough to fit into a pouch. And… one that can instantly print pictures.”

Her eyes twinkled as if she already knew exactly what to recommend. “I have just the thing for you. Wait here, dearie.”

She stepped out from behind the counter, moving through the store with a familiarity that spoke of years spent tending to her shop. You watched as she carefully selected an item from a shelf before returning, a small camera in her hands. She placed it gently on the counter.

“Here you go,” she said with a knowing smile.

You tilted your head, examining the device. It was compact, sleek yet simple—unassuming, but there was something about it that felt right. “What kind of camera is this, ma’am?” you asked, curiosity threading through your voice.

The old woman picked it up and handed it to you, and you carefully cradled it in your hands. “This is a Polaroid camera. It matches everything you described—easy to use, small, and it prints pictures the moment they’re taken.”

A quiet awe settled over you as you turned the camera over in your hands. It was light, fitting perfectly in your grasp, as though it had been made just for you. Something about it felt… safe. Familiar. After a few moments of silent debate, you made your decision.

“I’ll buy it.”

“Excellent choice.” The woman nodded, pleased. “Let me grab its box and some film to get you started.”

As she busied herself, she glanced at you with a gentle curiosity. “If I may ask, what made you decide to buy a camera, dearie? And such a specific type at that?”

You froze for a moment, fingers tightening around the strap of your bag. The words felt heavy on your tongue, but you forced yourself to speak. “I… have a condition,” you admitted quietly. “It makes it hard for me to remember things. It also makes me forget easily.” You swallowed, then continued, “And… there’s someone I don’t wish to forget. No matter what.” You said as your gaze drifted toward the window, where a familiar figure stood just outside. Snow-white hair caught the sunlight, glowing faintly like the edge of a cloud at dawn.

The shop felt quieter in the wake of your words. The old woman’s hands stilled for a brief moment before she resumed packing the camera with newfound tenderness. “Oh, my dear…” she murmured, her voice laced with understanding. “That must be difficult.” She finished boxing the camera and handed it to you with a soft smile. “I hope this helps you hold onto what matters.”

You accepted the package, exchanging payment before turning toward the door. As you stepped outside, the bell jingled once more, its chime fading into the open air.

The quietness of the store was a contrast to the bustle of the mall as you walked out of the store. After a few minutes of looking around, you spotted a familiar snow-white colored hair. You smiled as you immediately recognized who it was.

Casper.

He looked so out of place amongst the sea of people walking around the mall. You watched him as he taps his fingers on his arm, something you found that it was how he shows that he was nervous. You couldn’t blame him. This was his first time in a crowded place aside from the time the two of you went to a festival. He was looking around before his eyes caught yours, and immediately, his expression brightened.

You watched as he approached you. “Got what you’re looking for, sunshine?” he asked.

You nodded as you showed him the boxed camera. “I got it.” You then smiled softly, “I hope this works.” you whispered as your mind drifted back to your condition.

“It will work, sunshine.” He said, voice soft yet serious.

“I hope so…” You said as you placed the newly bought camera on your bag. “Anyways, what did you buy?” You asked as you looked to him, noticing how his right hand was hidden behind his back, clearly hiding it from you.

He smiled as he slowly revealed his right arm to you. “This.” He said as he showed you a box in his hand. He then opened it. Nestled on the foam inside was a necklace. But not any necklace, it was a silver-colored necklace with a heart-shaped locket.

“This, is for you.” He then paused. “May I?” He asked as he took it out, letting it dangle on his hand.

You nodded as you watched him as he walked behind you. He placed the necklace in front of you, and with a soft click, the locks clasped into place. You held the locket on your hand, the cool metal seeping into your palm.

“It looks beautiful on you.” Was all Casper said as he watched you.

You blushed slightly before smiling as you looked towards him. “Thank you, Cas.”

He smiled as he held your hand, kissing your knuckles. “You’re welcome, sunshine. Let’s go?”

You nodded as he pulled you close, the two of you walking side by side through the mall.

A camera. A locket given to you by Casper. A pen. Your journal.

To anyone else, they were ordinary objects—easily replaceable. But to you, they were anchors. Fragments of your past, pieces of your memories. The proof that someone, this person beside you, was worth remembering.