Flash Fiction - The Backpack

 Jessica knew she would be late for her get-together, but she didn't care. She had to find her purse or else she couldn't go anywhere. After throwing out half of her items in her closet, she finally located the small bag tucked way in the back. She grabbed it and raced out of her apartment and down the street to the coffeehouse. As she sprinted, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She stopped and pulled it out, only to smile as Michael texted that he was running fifteen minutes late. She placed the phone in her pocket because her purse was too small to carry anything more than her plum flavour lip gloss and wallet. Jessica strolled the rest of the way to the coffeehouse and enjoyed a little bit of window shopping. The store next to the coffeehouse carried all sorts of bohemian and hippie items, and Jessica felt compelled to walk in. She was never into the whole 'free spirit' way of life, preferring her heels that killed her feet, small purses that were easily lost yet looked great with her outfits, and a style that raged 'I care about the trends'. So, she felt it was a sort of decadent treat to walk into a store called SPIRIT and see what they had. The scent of fresh lavender greeted her senses, and she took a deep breath to take it all in. When was the last time she'd smelled actual lavender? An older woman with thick and kinky black hair and wearing a long purple dress literally floated toward her with a grin that could be seen for miles. Hello and welcome, the woman said as her cinnamon-coloured skin glowed. Please enjoy strolling around and let me know if you have any questions. Jessica thanked her and took it all in. Multicoloured bags of different sizes hung everywhere, while loose and flowy pieces of clothing were displayed throughout the store. She grinned as the sound of Tori Amos came through the speaker system and she wondered if she'd been sent back in time to the 90s. Suddenly, she stopped in front of a multicoloured and rather large backpack on display. She reached out and touched the material and actually sighed at its softness. Jessica held out the backpack to admire all of its sides, then let it drop as she resumed her wandering. She checked the time on her phone and found she had seven minutes before her friend would arrive at their destination. She circled the store three times and every time, she stopped at the backpack to touch the material. I've had so many people touch that backpack, the woman said as she walked toward her, and yet they all left without it. I think it needs a new home, don't you? Jessica looked at the woman like she was a little crazy, then looked at the price tag - $30. She reached out and gently removed the backpack from the display, then set it on her back. Was it her, or did the backpack actually mould itself to her body? I think I'll take it, Jessica said to the woman, who clasped her hands together and led her to the counter. Jessica pulled out her wallet from her small purse, then in a moment of frustration yanked it off her body and placed it in the backpack. How much do I owe you, she asked. Actually, I'm throwing a sale today, the woman replied. For you, only $10. Um, why? Jessica asked. The woman replied - because I think you honestly need what it has to offer. Jessica pulled out a $10 bill and handed it to the woman, then noticed a small HELP WANTED sign on the counter. Looking for a part-timer to work four days a week from 10-2, the woman advised. Jessica checked her phone again and then placed it in her backpack. I've got a coffee date in two minutes, Jessica offered, but will the job be available in an hour? The woman held out her hand. I'm Sarah and your new manager. Come back in an hour and I'll show you the ropes. Jessica shook her hand, then dashed out just as her friend arrived at the coffeehouse. Hey, Michael said as they embraced, sorry about being late and wow, nice backpack! 

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