HARD

     With my crowbar, I opened the window and checked if someone was inside. Seeing everything was clear, I gestured to Haruko to move and slipped inside. 

The shop was dimly lit, with the only light coming from a flickering gas lamp in the corner. The wooden shelves were lined with bolts of rich fabrics, and mannequins dressed in elaborate gowns stood like silent sentinels. The air smelled of cedar and lavender, a scent meant to keep the moths away… I knew that unnecessary information because Mira's mother used to own a shop like this one. 

A large, ornate mirror reflected the low light, casting eerie shadows that danced across the room.

Jumping inside, she closed the window and pulled her hood down. I couldn't see her due to the darkness, but I was pretty sure she was smiling while looking at all the dresses.

"It won't take too long," I said. "Wait for me here."