[ WP ] `` I 'm sorry , but the thing you were looking for is sold out . ''

I knew the clerk was lying. I knew- if you go to Safeway and ask for black candles at 3 a.m. they're going to tell you they sold out. It's not like I was doing dark magic or anything, I just needed to summon a Raven. He was a friend of mine, and a perfectly nice bird. For crying its loud this was n't even magic proper! It was just like making a telephone call to the supernatural world. But I could n't tell that to the little old lady behind the counter. Not with her half moon spectacles and little gold cross round her neck 
 
 `` What's wrong, dearie? If you really need some candles we have some lovely pink rose scented ones right there.'' 
 
 She pointed to the Valentine's Day displays. Ugh, it was only January. 
 
 `` Thanks, but um, I think I'm alright. Do you know anywhere else that sells candles this late?'' 
 
 `` Well sweetie there's the other 24 hour market, but I highly doubt they sell black candles. I just do n't think they're very pretty or *wholesome*.'' 
 She fixed me with beady eyes. 
 
 `` Thank you, I'll check there. Goodnight,'' 
 
 `` And you too, darling!'' 
 
 I resolved to get to the other market before she called ahead to ban them from selling me candles. 

