Gashapon Shop History
This comic is about Rainee, a 15 year old girl who runs a hobby store, Gashapon Shop, in her small town of Tilly (approximately 1,000 people). How is it possible that a girl, 15 years of age would come across to own this shop?
Before we get to that, let's understand a little bit more about Rainee. Even though she is 15 years old, she is incredibly intelligent. She possesses speaking skills comparable to adults as well as the quick, realistic thinking that some adults can only wish for. She enjoys drawing and painting. She's always wanted to travel around the world and to see new places. She has never left Tilly in her life. She's spent most of her time, since she was seven years old, working at the hobby store.
Rainee's parents used to own this shop. It's
been in their family for 10 years and more
importantly, over two-thirds of Rainee's life.
Her parents were loved by the citizens of the
community for they were nice and gentle people,
generous and giving to anyone who was in need.
Their love for toys and the joy that it brought
to both children and adults pushed them to open
a store in their little town specializing in
these items.
Though never a huge, booming business, it was considered a hangout for the kids of Tilly and a great place to make friends. It was a much appreciated store in Tilly and the citizens enjoyed its company.
One night, during the heaviest storm the town had ever seen, both Rainee's mother and father were driving home from the store. A deer jumped in front of their car. Rainee's father swerved to miss the deer and eventually crashed into a nearby tree. Due to the lack of any kind of traction on the road, Rainee's parents passed away that night.
Rainee was 12 when this happened.
Everything was left in Rainee's name. She had aunts and uncles that were willing to take her away from Tilly because they didn't think a 15 year old girl could handle life on her own. However, she refused and said that she would run the store, by herself, in honor of her father and mother.
Though skeptical, the aunts and uncles reluctantly allowed her to do so. The townspeople reassured Rainee's relatives that they would keep an eye out on her, making sure she was safe. It was the least they could do for the daughter of the people that brought so much joy to the town.
It has been three years since the incident and the store is still located in the quiet corner of Tilly.
Even though Rainee lives by herself and has currently shelved her dream of traveling around the world, she's happy with where she is. The people she meets everyday and the friends that keep her company is all she really needs.
It's true what her parents always said, "All that matters is heart."
Rainee is a 15 year old girl that runs a hobby shop, Gashapon Shop, in her town of Tilly. The shop may not be big, but the heart is.
Alexander Shen
alex@wanderingpanda.com