‘I should just quit’ Raph though as he left his office, it was already dark outside as he began the walk back to his apartment. The night air was still warm as he sauntered along past a small shopping district in town. He noticed one of the shops was still open at this time and realized he never noticed that particular store before now. Gazing in the window it looked to be a kind of antique store, letting his curiosity get the better of him, he entered.

The Shop itself was small and jam-packed with nick-nacks and doo-dads, there was an old man with a mostly bald head and heavy wrinkles seemingly asleep on the counter to the left as he walked in. Raph was perusing the shelves not really looking for anything in particular, looking at the statues and small antique jewellry boxes and such. The whole store was filled with interesting pieces that had no particular use whatsoever. After around five minutes of looking through the shelves Raph turned around to leave, just before he was out the door he noticed a heavy looking box on the floor below the shelves.

The box in question was filled with all sorts of jewelry and things that had seen better days, probably why they were in the box in the first place. After rummaging through the box something caught Raphs eye, a small medallion that looked to be made from brass emblazoned with an intricately designed hammer on the front. He picked it up and spun it around to find it had an inscription on the back in a language he had never seen before, not that Raph was in any way good with languages.

Turning a 180 to the old man with his head on his arms at the counter Raph coughed loudly to try and awaken him.

“UUHHHUUMMM.”

To which he was met with no response. Slightly confused, Raph realized there was a small bell on the counter and decided that it was a better idea than anything else he had.

Dddiinnnggg.

Raph rang the bell. Almost instantly the man was sat bolt upright, giving Raph a stare so intense that he had to take a step back.

“Jeez kid, if ya wanted help with something ya could have just asked.” said the old man as he continued to glare at Raph like he had done something unforgivable.

“Ummm sorry” said Raph as he scratched the back of his head, not quite sure why he was at fault here. “I was just wondering how much this amulet was going for, there’s no price on it you see.”

The old man looked at the object in question and raised a single eyebrow. “Hmmmmm” he said, looking back at Raph, more inquisitive this time than the previous death-stare.

“Hmmmmmmmmmm” he said again.

“Ummm, is everything alright?” said Raph.

“Ya know kid, that pendant ya have there is worth about $10. But for you, because I like ya, that'll be 50!”. He said as serious as can be.

“WHAT? That's absurd!” Raph replied in shock.

“BAHAHAHA!” The old man was laughing so much he was almost doubled over. “I'm just messing with ya kid, let’s say five bucks. I haven’t laughed this hard in years!”

Still somewhat confused raph grabbed his wallet, pulled out $5 and handed it to the man. The old man took the bill from his hand and to Raph it looked like he put it in his pocket.

“It was a pleasure doin’ business with ya kid.” said the old man as he stuck out a hand to offer Raph a handshake. Raph accepted the handshake, the old man's grip was vice-like contrary to what his age might suggest.

“Likewise” said Raph as he strained against the grip of the man, the handshake went on for what seemed like 2-3 minutes to Raph until it finally broke and the blood started flowing back in his hand.

“See ya round kid” said the old man as Raph was already out the door, then he laid his head down and went back to sleep.

‘Bizzare’ Raph said to himself as he walked out of the shop and inspected his newly acquired amulet. He felt somewhat compelled to purchase it when he saw it, it was intriguing to him in a way Raph couldn’t quite put his finger on. After a few minutes Raph put the amulet back into his pocket and continued on his way back to the apartment.

It wasn't long before Raph made it to his 1 bed apartment. Walking through the door he placed his bag and keys down in the small hallway and made his way into the kitchen/living area. He wanted to get some string so he could wear his new purchase, rummaging through one of the draws in the kitchen supplied him with a small ball of twine that was perfect to make a simple necklace out of. After sorting out the knot Raph slipped the necklace over his head. The amulet hung loosely on his chest, Raph inspected his moderately in shape physique on the mirror in his bedroom, as he was changing out of his work clothes and thought himself pretty handsome.

rummmbbllleeeee.

“Uugghh, I need food.” exclaimed Raph as he walked into the kitchen to make himself something to eat. Tonight's meal was a simple affair of a re-heated lasagne that he had made a few days earlier. After the meal a wash of tiredness came over him, he laid down on the couch, flicked on the TV and put on a show that he had started a couple days earlier. It was this year's big thing, with magic and wonder like nothing you have ever seen. Around half way through the first episode the day's excitement got the better of him and he drifted off to sleep.

Raph woke with a start. The daylight was blaring in through the window next to the couch and the TV had long stopped playing his show.

“Shit.” said Raph, quite hurriedly as he scrambled around the couch for his phone.

“SHIT” he said again, considerably louder this time, now with phone in hand and the realization that he was late for work, very late to be exact.

Rushing around his apartment for his things he was out the door in record time. Running his usual walk, Raph failed to notice the shop he visited last night now closed and seemingly empty. He didn't have far now to the office, he had to run across a quiet road then take a left and he would be there.

HHHHOOOONNNKKKKKK

What followed was a sickening CRUNCH and the squealing of the truck's tires.

And well, that was Raph's last trip to work.