Nina and the Monster Shop

A young woman hurries home at night. She sidesteps broken bottles, thrown away napkins and empty packages. Her stomach growls. She looks over her shoulder as often as she looks ahead or down to check the ground. Looking briefly at the blinking store-front she stops. When did that store open? She steps closer. Watches the commercial playing on the huge screen behind the window. “Grab your monster tonight. Never be lonely again!”, yells the speaker. Loud enough she hears him in front of the window. A young woman. A new shop selling what, monsters? A dark, dangerous street in the city. Will she buy one for herself? An urban fantasy short story with a unseen twist.