Written for MLMM Monday Wordle.
Here’s where the prompts took me.
cushion, old, turtle, claw, shape, unusual,
chime, music, private, single, shine, and price
The antiques shop smelled of cedar and very old secrets. Jenny stepped inside, charmed by the tinkling chime of a single bell above the door.
Every surface held something unusual and each item had a story. Jade carved into the shape of an angry turtle. A regal chair with claw feet, fashioned, no doubt, for a person of great importance. An exquisite lamp designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself.
An ebony box with mother-of-pearl inlay rested on a cushion of faded red velvet. Jenny turned its golden key; the music was lovely but unfamiliar .… a nostalgic melody, perhaps from a bygone era, which she found magical.
A door marked “PRIVATE” quietly opened and the elderly shopkeeper appeared; he smiled kindly at Jenny.
“How much for the music box?” she asked. “I don’t see a price tag.”
The shopkeeper looked at her, his eyes catching the lamp’s shine.
“Some things,” he said softly, “aren’t for sale. They’re just here to remind you they exist.”
NAR©2026
#MLMM
#Wordle
This is “The Magic Music Box: Orchestral Waltz”
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Simply beautiful ,💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, sis. I love stories like this. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s Lovely 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the description. I also love the idea that some things are there just to remind you they exist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In my mind, the shopkeeper has a personal attachment to that music box and he just can’t part with it. Thanks so much for your comments, Iris. I’m glad to know you enjoyed my story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love shops like this, and old book shops. Lovely post Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They draw me in, too, Di. I’m so glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And oh how we cling to the things than make us feel alive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so very true. Thank you, Jodi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was afraid that he won’t sell it. Beautiful story Nancy
LikeLiked by 1 person
He just couldn’t bear to part with it. Thank you for your lovely comments, Sadje.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear it. It was my grandmother’s. I miss it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that comment, Ron. ❤️
LikeLike
Great use of the words
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sarah. I appreciate your comments.
LikeLike
Oh so magical!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my dear D! 🪄✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love antique shops, and I love your music selection, Nancy
LikeLiked by 2 people
The music box doll was Truly Scrumptious, played and sung by Sally Ann Howes (I may have seen the movie a few times!). Your comments were also truly scrumptious! Thank you, dear Ivor. 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank you for your delightful reply my friend 🎶📖🌏🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a great pleasure, my friend. 🥰 🎶
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooo, Nancy, where’s this antique shop? I’d just stand and sniff, … You took us there, and gave us the joy of discovery, ,..and then mystery, … a divine experience my friend,…💙🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just love the word “divine”! Thank you for your beautiful comments, my dear friend. When someone says they were transported by my stories, that is the greatest reward I could ask for as a writer. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a pleasure Nancy, reading your work is a treat, …💫💙🤗💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful written 👌. I got transported to another era.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Maggie! For a writer, that is such a gratifying comment. ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person