The bell above the door rang as I stepped inside The Toy Store for the first time.

It smelled like dust, paint, and something sweet—like old plastic left in the sun. Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, packed with smiling dolls, wind-up clowns, and wooden animals with glassy eyes that seemed to follow me as I moved.

“You’re right on time.”

You jumped.

Behind the counter stood Mr. Toymaker. He wore a bright, patterned jacket dotted with cheerful colors, a sharp contrast to the pale, painted smile fixed on his face. His head tilted slightly as he looked at me, like he was examining a finished product.

“You must be our new helper,” He said warmly. “Welcome. We have so much to make today.”