Fiction: The Memory Bootlegger

Bootlegger, Edward Hopper, 1925

Fiction: The Memory Bootlegger
If you're looking for a memory bootlegger, you must go to Shadow Island located just northeast of the Pacific island. By boat, you must travel as there are no other way there unless you can fly.
    Once on Shadow Island, you will see a three-story house just off the edge of the shoreline. Knock once on the brass knocker and wait. Mrs. Hudson, the housekeeper, will let you in and show you to the drawing room. After you gave payment of a few coins or valuable goods, Mrs. Hudson will hand you a piece of paper with a number on it. Names will not be necessary. When it's time, Mrs. Hudson will come in and call out a number. If it matches yours, you may take the stairs to the first room on the left. Knock once and enter.
    Inside, you will find a chair in front of a wall covered in beautiful silver damask wallpaper with a hole large enough for an adult's hand. Now, you may think this is a trap to rob you of your goods but I can assure you, it is not. If you dare to take the chance, sit down and place your hand in the hole, if not, then leave but there will be no refunds.
    So what happens when you stick you hand into the hole? That, I cannot say as each person's experience is different. But I can assure you, you will not be harmed.
    If you're here, then you must have heard the rumors but I will tell you exactly what a memory bootlegger does. The memory bootlegger will transport your mind to a time where you're the happiest or the saddest. It all depends on you. She is especially good with buried or forgotten memories. But again, it's up to you which memory you are seeking. There are rules you must follow with no exceptions:
    First, you must not ask for more than one memory.
    Second, you must not ask how she return that memory to your mind.
    Third, you must not ask to be kept in the memory longer than one hour or else you will not be able to return. Your mind will stay in that dream place and you will find it harder and harder to leave. This is not illegal as there are no laws against memory bootleggers but some will disagree. And this is why the fourth rule is so important.
    Fourth, you must not speak of your experience here. This is a precaution for your protection as those who talked, never had a nice time if you know what we mean.
    And last, you must try not to look at the memory bootlegger. That is why the wall is there. Once, the wall had been curtains. A fool had the urge to pull the curtains and take a glance at the memory bootlegger. He may have gone blind. No one is certain as he was sent away to some unknown place.
    As the memory bootlegger's assistant, I can only tell you a few things about her.    
    She is called Beth after the woman who found her abandoned near the shore on Shadow Island. Beth was only eight at the time. The woman soon disappeared afterward, leaving her with Mrs. Hudson.
    Beth have no memories of her past as they were stolen. Her only memory is being found on the sand. But the gift of returning memories had been a source of solace for her. 
    There now, I have told you all that I know, newspaper man. Believe it or not, you decide. How is the tea? A little bitter, isn't it? The sweet aftertaste makes it worth going through the bitter. It is made with a special blend that helps with your memory. My mistress brewed it especially for visitors like you.

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