Untitled--Darren

As Roger browsed the bookstore aisles, his interest in the available selection grew. He

frequently stopped and opened books, hoping to gain insight on its contents. After a few

minutes, he was entirely occupied with the stories being advertised. He picked out a thick book

and within minutes, he was lost in the story as his eyes scrambled across the text. Elsewhere,

the soft pitter-patter of the rain outside was able to be faintly heard. It brought a sense of calm to

the bookstore, as there was nothing better than being lost in a new adventure as the rain fell on

the windowsill. As Roger mindlessly flipped through the pages, he was oblivious to a tall,

suspicious-looking figure standing in the corner of the room. He looked menacingly in Roger’s

direction and began to slowly creep toward him. Roger continued to read, unknowing of his

surroundings. Meanwhile, the man came closer and closer.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot…

The man was nearing, but Roger still didn’t realize it, for the sound of the man’s footsteps were

silent. As Roger read through the book’s events, he began to chuckle, while the nearing man

chuckled for another reason. Suddenly, Roger felt a tap on his right shoulder. He snapped out of

his fantasy and turned around to look for the person. As he did, he noticed someone ahead of

him quickly turn around and begin to walk away. Roger ignored it and turned his attention to the

person who tapped him. Over his shoulder loomed a pale, old lady who looked as if she’d

collapse at any second. It was clear that she worked at the store, as she wore a nametag that

read “Jane”.

“Hi young man, how are you?

“I’m fine, and you?”

“I’ve been better, but I’m hanging in there. Erm, anyway, you need to leave.”

Roger was now confused and startled as he wondered why he was being told to leave.

“What, why? I haven’t done anything wrong. I’ve been here admiring this novel,” Roger replied

as he lifted the book in the air.

The woman’s tone began to harden and she pointed towards the store’s door.

“You need to leave immediately.”

Roger was puzzled and wracked his mind to remember if he had accidentally stolen something,

or said something that might have upset the other workers.

“But I don’t unders-” Roger pleaded his case, but was cut off harshly.

“NOW!” Jane’s voice began to rise and her eyes were now bulging as if they were going to pop

out of her head.

Other people in the bookstore began to look Roger’s way in attempts to find out the source of

the sudden noise. Not wanting to make a bigger scene, Roger obliged and headed to the exit.

Jane watched from a distance as Roger left the store frightened and confused. The mysterious

man also observed Roger and watched as he walked down the block. He began to follow, but

just before he walked through the door, he turned around and faced Jane.

He smiled and said, “Thanks Jane, I always knew I could count on you!”

Jane looked completely different now. Her face was relaxed and she didn’t appear to be angry

at all. She now boasted a toothy smile and began to laugh. She replied, “No problem

sweetheart! Now go chase after Roger before you lose him! And give him this!”

She held out the book that Roger was reading earlier.

“Tell him I said happy birthday!” as she handed the man the book.

“Will do! See you at the party soon!”

The man quickly exited the store to pursue Roger before he lost sight of him.

He turned corners and blended in with the surrounding people, as he kept a close eye on

Roger. He gained ground and was soon a couple feet away from him. Roger was still clueless to

the situation, as he thought about the incident with the store worker, and wondered what he had

done wrong. A few steps behind him, the man brought his hands out of his pocket and stretched

them outward towards Roger. He slapped them on Roger’s shoulder and yelled in his ear.

Roger let out a loud screech and quickly turned around to face his alleged attacker.

“Surprise!” the man said as he looked into the eyes of a frightened Roger. Immediately, Roger’s

fear turned into excitement as he faced his brother which he hadn’t seen in years, due to his

being in the military. Speechless, the two smiled and stared at each other for what seemed like

hours.