Twenty-one-year-old Cassandra walks down the muddy street, dodging wagons and people who all rush from place to place. She is once again thankful she was smart enough to wear boots today. Foreign languages float on the air, and people yell and call out to each other. Cassie knows where she’s going, the shop she is looking for has the supplies needed for her trip.
San Francisco has changed since the gold rush began. The side streets used to be lined with wooden buildings, tents, and shack-like houses, but since the banks started moving in things have changed. Substantial houses, stands, and shops are set up with living quarters over the top. Allowing people to live above their businesses. This is to encourage them to build close communities and invest in the city where they live. It's hard to imagine the types of changes that will occur, but it still isn't safe for a single woman.
Cassandra knows that a woman alone on the streets will draw unwanted attention, so she's careful to avoid eye contact and hurries to her destination.
The hotel clerk told her that this was the best general store and at first glance, it isn't much more than a two-story wooden building. Inside, she's delighted to find a clean, organized shop with wood floors, a testament to the owner's pride in his shop. Careful to stomp her boots before entering she stands in awe for a moment at the glory of the silky material she spies.
Mr. Chou, the Chinese proprietor, greets her upon entry. “Welcome!”
Turning to greet him she can't help but smile. He's an older gentleman, with a long white beard and soft wrinkles around his eyes. He is wearing denim jeans and boots with an Asian wrapped shirt. A unique combination to be sure.
“Your shop is lovely and so well kept. Perhaps you could help me with my list?” She asks him.
“Thank you, thank you. I am Mr. Chou, you like some tea first?” he asks, watching the young woman carefully.
“No, thank you. My husband is waiting for me. I really just need to arrange to have my purchases taken to the St. Francis Hotel.” She glances around eagerly taking in all the beautiful goods. Dry goods are on one side, while household items are arranged carefully in the center, but it's the right side of the shop that draws Cassie's eye. Chinese tea sets, in beautiful arrangements, silks, and more call to her. She knows she needs to be careful not to flash her money around, but she is hoping to take some unique pieces with her.
“No problem. You tell me your list, and I will have it sent over directly, no problem.”
“Mr. Chou, that is very kind of you.” Quickly she states her needs for some dry goods and with his assistance picks out a beautiful bolt of indigo blue silk for a new dress. “Would you happen to have a tea set? I have my heart set on one with a trunk?”
“I have just the one for you. Come, come.” He says growing excited. Mr. Chou leads the way down an aisle and into a back room.
Cassie has to force herself not to dawdle. Everything is so exquisite. On the ground is a medium size trunk, custom painted in mahogany finish with a Japanese cherry blossom tree in full bloom. Its pink leaves trailing across the sides as though blown by an unseen wind.
Cassie is speechless for a moment, then quickly stammers, “It's stunning!” She knows she is going to take it even before he tells her the price, but what he does next has her heart jumping with anticipation.
“Special, Now watch closely.” He opens the trunk and inside is a custom tray with compartments for a full tea set, cups, saucers, and silverware. Carefully, he lifts it out and sets it down, then shows her the room inside for another tray with multiple tins for loose tea and other items. He puts it all back inside, then looks at her with his crinkled eyes and says, “Look here,” gesturing at the side of the trunk.
Cassie looks confused until he pushes up and slides the wooden side up, revealing a hidden compartment.
“Oh, wonderful!” she says delightedly. “It's perfect, how did you know?” Excitedly she claps her hands together. Now her money would be safe for the trip. She still needs to buy her train ticket and arrange for her things to be loaded. From what she has been hearing it's difficult to find room on the train with the number of people in this city.
With a shrug of his ancient shoulder, he calls to his wife who quickly joins them. After agreeing on a price, Mrs. Chou goes to cut the yards of material she ordered.
“The last thing on my list is a carpet bag,” she murmurs walking through the aisle. After she finds a bag good enough to travel with a glimmer catches her attention. A silver hand-held mirror. Gently she lifts it and stares at the intricate vine etched around the handle of the mirror and across the back.
Shock flickers across her face when she sees her reflection. Her hair looks the same, long, wavy, hair pulled up, but her eyes look haunted. Haunted by the death of her family and her hope. A finger traces her reflection only to jump at a voice from behind her.
“Ladies always love the pretty things, don’t they, Boomer?” a man’s gravelly voice asks from behind her.
Carefully placing the mirror down on the wooden shelf, she steels herself before turning around. Crime is rampant in this city, and single women are scarce. Cassie knew she was taking a chance by coming to the store. She faced the two men careful to keep her facial expression blank.
Two men around her age, possibly miners or train workers block her
