Instruments: We Buy

Elias looked at the cello, then at the peeling sign outside. He zipped the case, but he didn't head for the bank. He headed for the park, the weight on his shoulder finally feeling like it belonged there. Should I add a to this shop, or

The sign was hand-painted, the gold leaf peeling like sunburnt skin. It hung above a shop so narrow it felt like a mistake between two brick buildings. it screamed in faded block letters. we buy instruments

"Because you're not selling a cello," she said, returning to her flute. "You're trying to sell your soul so you don't have to feel anything. Come back when you’re ready to sell me a trumpet you actually hate. Until then, get that beautiful thing out of my shop before I charge you for the concert." Elias looked at the cello, then at the peeling sign outside

"It’s worth ten thousand," she said flatly. "But I’m not buying it." Elias blinked. "What? Why?" Should I add a to this shop, or

The woman pointed a screwdriver at a velvet-lined stool. "Open it."

The bell chimed with a dissonant clink . Behind the counter sat a woman who looked like she was made of parchment and cello resin. She didn’t look up from a disassembled flute. "I’m looking to sell," Elias said, his voice cracking.