I stood in the check-out line, my grocery cart full to the rim with food, soda, and fabric for the new dress I was making.

The lady behind me gasped when she saw my blouse, looking at me like a deer in headlights. “Is-is that Eptonian fabric?” She exclaimed excitedly. I motinoned for her to come over, tugging the edge of my sleeve to let her touch it.

“It is! How did you get this stuff? Its been sold out for months! Heavens, you must feel like your wearing a cloud. How lucky you are. My poor son. He hasn’t had a good material like this in years. He has that starch brand. You know? The ones they give for nearly free? Its horrid. Feels like wearing 𝘩𝘢𝘺. My dear husband says our boy wont last a day in society wearing that starch. Nasty stuff it is. Its rough as sandpaper on skin,” The lady ranted, looking at my fabric hungrily.

“Here. I will do you a favor. I have about enough fabric to make three clothing pieces at home. Im using a little for my dress im making for my sisters wedding, but if you’d like i can give you the rest for Three hundred,” I explained.

“Really? Only Three hundred? You’d give up the richest fabric on earth for that low amount? I mean, thats fairly nice of you dear, but aren’t you hurting yourself a lot?”, The woman replied, awe still sparked in her eyes.

I smiled, shaking my head. “I’ll let you in on a secret. My little brother, genuis he is, found a way to manufacture Eptonian without it’s high cost of production. He’s making it fast, and giving me a little each week. Next month he wants to launch a new product. One better than Eptonian fabric. He says it will be the softest thing on earth. He’s going to an auction in Vermont right afterwards and wants to sell the first piece for 2 Billion,” i explained.

The womens eyes went wider, her mouth falling open. “Better than Eptonian? Goodness! Your brother sounds perfectly splendid. And that fabric- for two billion? If i had the money i would pay it. Pay it right now. That sounds wonderful. Perfectly splendid. In fact, i’d buy the whole warehouse!” The lady explained excitedly, wonder and joy all at once.

I nodded, “It does, doesnt it? Well, after i get my grocerys paid for, I can drive home and meet you here in an hour to bring the Eptonian?” I offered.

“Yes! Yes of course. But first- please- im mighty intrigued. Tell me more of this new fabric. What is it like?” She asked, eagerness pouring out her lips.

My curls bounced on my shoulders as I looked back at her from my cart. “Well, I really shouldn’t. I wasn’t supposed to say anything at all,” I said guiltily.

She frowned, looking down. “Yes, yes. Of course. Its just my poor son… he would be so excited hearing of this new fabric. Hes just so sick and…”

“Sick?”

“Ah yes. My boy… Poor thing. Wearing rag fabric and coming down with a bad case of Tantis. He’s got welps all over his poor body. And the starch fabric sure isnt helping….”

I frowned sympathetically, feeling like i should be generous.

“Aw. The tantis sure is awful. My Aunt died of it only last year. Yes, Yes. I will tell you more of the new fabric so you can tell your son. But this never happend, hear me?” I asked.

The lady nodded sweetly, thanks written all over her face.

“Now tell me more,” she added, forgetting her groceries and listening to my words without distraction.