Cap-3
The Mystery Shack was buzzing that afternoon. Marshall, Stan, and Soos were sharing laughs and stories, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Stan momentarily broke the cheer with a serious request.
"Marshall, I've got some relatives coming over, and I was thinking if you could help, you know, take care of them for a bit," Stan said, trying to smooth out any potential complications.
Marshall, always with a touch of sarcasm, retorted, "So you want me to put a dark rock twist in these kids' lives? You're asking for me to be the tough babysitter?"
Soos tried to pitch in, suggesting, "Hey, Mr. Pines, I can take care of them! I'll make sure they're well taken care of."
However, their suggestions seemed to go unnoticed as Stan and Marshall continued their dialogue, setting aside Soos' offer. As they discussed, Marshall took in the strange knick-knacks and peculiar aura that always surrounded the Mystery Shack.
With a casual smile, Marshall replied to Stan, "Sorry, Mr. Pines, but I think I'll have to pass on that. Busy schedule, you know?" The conversation about responsibilities soon shifted. After the brief exchange with Stan, Marshall couldn't help but inquire about Wendy.
"So, where's our friend Wendy?" Marshall asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Before anyone could respond, Stein interrupted with an impatient grumble. "She's late, as always. How can someone be late while sleeping at their own workplace? Climbing a few stairs shouldn't be that big of a challenge."
Stein's sarcastic comment elicited a laugh from Marshall, who seemed more interested in Wendy's situation than the conversation about taking care of the kids. Marshall nodded, ignoring Stan's recommendation, and left the Mystery Shack.
With a sly smile, Marshall exited the Mystery Shack, ready to explore something more intriguing than just supervising kids. Before leaving, he grabbed an umbrella and a pair of sunglasses, keeping his guitar strapped firmly on his back.
Walking the streets, Marshall observed curious tourists, locals coming and going, and the unique establishments dotting the area. His gaze settled on an antique shop that had always piqued his interest. Without a second thought, he decided to step inside.
The bell on the door chimed softly, and he found himself immersed in a sea of ancient and mysterious objects. Everything was there: from old clocks to dusty books, each item telling its own story.
Marshall examined the artifacts with curiosity, feeling a peculiar energy emanating from each one. His mind began to wander, imagining the stories that could lie behind those antique pieces.
Among the objects, an old guitar case caught his eye. He delicately took it off the shelf, observing every detail. With a sparkle in his eyes, he started plucking some notes, feeling the familiar vibration of the strings under his fingers.
The melody echoed softly through the shop, bringing forth a sense of excitement. However, his reverie was interrupted by the shop owner, a guy with a country air, a strange laugh, and a straw hat.
"Wow, that guitar's got a sound like a songbird by the creek, ain't it?" the shop owner said with a broad smile, twirling an old watch on his finger.
Marshall, with his sarcastic smile, replied, "Indeed, it's a sound fit for the gods! How much do you want for this guitar case? I'm interested, buddy."
The shop owner, with an exaggerated laugh, shook his head. "Oh, can't sell it to you, buddy. This one's got stories that would make the devil shiver down his spine!"
The enigmatic response left Marshall intrigued, but he wouldn't give up easily. Before he could argue, the shop owner was already finalizing the sale with someone else.
"Hey, I'll pay double!" Marshall tried to argue, but the guitar case was already being put away.
With a casual shrug, Marshall left the shop, his gaze wandering down the street. He soon spotted a group of kids, and his sarcastic expression turned into a mischievous smile.
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