The hatted boy was on a bus. A fancy redhead sat next to him. On the sleeve of her black trenchcoat he noticed a fiery hair. He picked it up between his thumb and forefinger and laid it on his handkerchief, which he folded. ‘I’ll take it home,’ he said. (Based on recent personal experiences.)

While walking on a main street, the young couple noticed a curious shop. They walked inside and the doors closed shut behind them. It was a special shop, they soon learned; all customers who entered it had to buy something before they were allowed to leave. And the prices were high...