One day as he swept a young urchin came up, with eyes more grey than the clouds overhead.

"Hello," he said in a good-natured way.

"Hmm?" The shopkeeper paused. He had been so busy sweeping he hadn't noticed the lad.

"Hello there, sir," the boy repeated.

"Oh..." He said absently, "Well, hello, my boy. Would you care for a chocolate?"

The boy smiled and nodded to him. Entering into the shop the boy was taken back by all the wonderful things he saw. Knick-nacks and junk made the place brown and worn-in, like a great shoe. The counter was dotted with small jars and dishes. The candy colors were interesting: from rich plain bars of milk chocolate to rich white mints and twists.

Then he thought of something.

"Um, sir," the boy sheepishly asked, "How did you make all these..all these sweets?"

"Oh, these?" He smiled wide. "Well, I...it's awfully complicated. How about a nice dark truffle? Hmm?"

"I'd really like to know, sir," the boy said with courage, "I would."

The shopkeeper was at a loss. In all the time he had sold chocolates and sweets noone had asked how he did it. Looking around outside, he hung a small sign by the door, travelling into the back with the boy. At first the man began to talk about the secrets of chocolate, but quickly drifted to other subjects. As the boy listened he smiled brightly, hanging on every word. To his mind the man was so kind, generous and thoughtful.

In the middle of a subject the boy piped up.

"I like it here very much, sir," he said smiling wide, "And...I was wondering if I could help you. You know, sweep around the shop, put away things, learn about your trade."

The man was pleasantly surprised. "Well I...I don't see why not, dear boy. Come around tomorrow, we'll see you started right. What's your name?"

"Werd," he said excitedly, "Werd, sir."

"Werd..." He repeated to himself, "What a strange name. Well, I must close for the day. Come back tomorrow."

The boy was so happy he suddenly lept forward to hug the shopkeeper tight around his waist, practically stumbling over himself as he jaggedly limped out the shop and into the street.

"Yes, what a strange boy." The man also thought it odd the boy wore only one shoe, the other foot bare and free. 'He must need the money badly for a new shoe, that must be it,' he thought to himself.

The next day came. The chocolatier opened his business and soon after the bell to his shop rang out. A fine but casual lady, Sass, as she liked to be called, came in every other day to buy sweets for the orphanage. Ms. Sasstle looked beautiful in the elegant emerald dress she wore.

"My good fellow," She smiled wide at him.

"Good morning there, Sass. The usual, then?" He asked with a jovial smile.

"Yes, thank you," she nodded as she looked outside. There, with his smudged but bright face pressed against the glass, was Werd. Sass momentarily felt uncomfortable.

"Ahh...," she said with concern, "Who is that boy outside?"

"Ohhhh, well, he's my new assistant. I'm, heh, well I'm not getting younger, Sass. He has the eyes and hands of a fine apprentice."

"Well...if you think it wise," Sass warned, "He looks like an urchin and...I...heh, if you think it wise. Good day," she concluded, taking the bag of chocolates outside.

As the door swung out, Werd ran in, eyes glowing as he asked about the menial chores and a hundred other questions. It would be a long day.

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