Nina and the Extra Coins

Chapter 1: Honesty Is The Best Policy

On the corner of Marigold Street stood a small shop called Pennywise Provisions. Its shelves held jars of buttons, bundles of pencils, tins of tea, and a whole wall of sweets in glass jars that glittered like jewels.

The shopkeeper, Mr. Ostrander, was a tall, stooped, quiet man with half-moon glasses and a habit of muttering sums under his breath. He kept his shop spotless, his prices fair, and his heart tucked away somewhere behind the counter, where most people never thought to look.

He didn't smile much. Children thought he was grumpy. Grown-ups thought he was lonely. Both were a little bit right.

Nina was ten years old, with two braids, a missing shoelace, and a very important job.

Every Saturday, her mother sent her to Pennywise Provisions with a small list and a few carefully counted coins.

"Two pencils, a ball of string, and a tin of tea for Grandma," said Mother, pressing the money into her palm. "And hold on tight. We don't have any extra."

"I will," said Nina.

She skipped down Marigold Street, the coins jingling in her fist. At the shop, the bell tinkled as she pushed open the door.

"Good morning, Mr. Ostrander," she said politely.

"Mm," said Mr. Ostrander, not looking up from his ledger.