It’s dead, Jim.

Google had not been very forthcoming about whether The Chocolate Box was open, let alone if it still existed. When we rocked up to the centre, we discovered from a storey up that it’s no longer in operation. I’d prepared for this eventuality, but I was still a little disappointed.

We sauntered back to Collins St, returning to Swanston. We chose not to catch a tram (a questionable choice given the summer climate and mask necessity), but the downhill slope was a welcome change.

You may be wondering why I’ve written this post if it’s not about The Chocolate Box.

This thing caught my eye. This single pen, highlighted in a massive, empty space.

This is a store called Montblanc. From what I can determine, they’re (put very simply) fine watch-makers. According to their “philosophy”, they value tradition, storytelling, elegance, and perservation.

The advertising for this fountain pen smacked me across the face as I walked past. Underneath it (though I didn’t capture them) are watch pieces and some leather crafts. But the pen is the thing that’s highlighted.

The nature of its display sparked a baffled conversation between my brother and I. “A pen is only as good as its wielder,” my brother said, “And I definitely don’t have the chops to wield that thing to its full potential.”

Given the messiah-like nature of its advertising, I could only agree.

So anyway, turns out the pen — which I believe is a Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Classique Fountain Pen — costs $1,125.

A pen may only be as strong as its wielder, but in this case, a pen is only as strong as its wielder’s wallet.