It’s 7:05 pm.
I’ve just gotten back from a long day of work and I’m feeling exhausted. I wanted to go to the book shop, my favorite place.
It’s kind of like my sanctuary you know? My little shelter which helps me escape the cold and harsh reality.
I took up big strides and finally arrived to the desired location.
I wonder what new books they’ve got now. I’ve been waiting all week for new comics and the latest sci-fi books.
I entered the book store.
“Good morning, young one.”
There he was, my favorite person in this whole town.
Mr. Clarkson was a lively man in his late 50s, though he looks younger because of his permanent smile glued to his face. I had known him for years since living in this town.
It’s as if nothing could ruin his day.
He looked at me through his odd-looking glasses, which I found quite funny by the way.
“Always so bright, Mr. Clarkson.”
He chuckled and shrugged and proceeded to stroke his grayish strands of hair standing out.
Deep down, you could say I envied him. He always looked so happy and carefree, so optimistic. His passion was his dream job and I’m pretty sure nobody wouldn’t like that.
Shaking these thoughts of my head I ask him if there was the new sci-fi book I was looking for.
“Ah, I see you’re still a sucker for those, aren’t you?”
I nodded bashfully, I was such a bookworm.
Mr. Clarkson smiled at me, flashing his pearly white teeth.
“I’m not sure. I’m gonna go look for it.”
And with that, he entered the mysterious wooden door behind the counter and disappeared from my sight.
I look at the clock. 8:12 pm.
I sigh and took the time to contemplate the store.
It was cozy and small from the inside, mostly made of wooden desks and other small decorations.
The bookshelves were huge and filled with colorful covers of books, I most likely have read them all.
I looked around, it was empty. At this time, most people would be enjoying themselves at home. I liked it here. Especially at that time of the day.
The silence was relaxing.
The bookstore from the outside was colored with a shade of deep stone gray. The word BOOK SHOP carved in wood at the top revealed the oldness of the store, it was here for quite some time after all.
I heard shuffling and turned back, facing none other than the smiling old man.
“Sorry to disappoint you but it hasn’t been delivered to us yet.”
“Oh, i-it’s alright.”
Although a little disappointed, I couldn’t help but smile at him.
“However,” Mr. Clarkson started.
“I suggest you this wonderful book. It has always been one of my favorites. I know you also like thriller and suspense, this one was made right for you.”
He handed me a big book with a blue cover. I noticed something strange.
“No title?” I asked.
“Suspense, my dear,” he replied.
I was now curious, wondering what was its story.
I took the said object and sat on a wooden table near the window.
I opened to the first chapter.
Cleveland.
I didn’t expect that. It was the name of our town. I looked at Mr. Clarkson, he was staring at me expectantly.
“Did someone who live there wrote this?”
“Haha. You could say so.”
Hm, weird. I shrugged it off and got back to the book.
.
.
.
It was 9:55 pm.
I yawned. I was so enthralled by the book that I didn’t see the time pass.
The book was amazing, just like the friendly clerk said.
I related to the main character to a spiritual level. It was almost like me.
I flipped the page and my eyes started analysing each phrase.
…I was tired.
I started read.
The book shop never disappointed me. In fact, the over-friendly clerk even suggested me a book today.
I slowly started to focus.
He gave me some big old blue book. It looked strange, it had no title and no author either.
I was starting to take in the events.
…It was 9:59 pm.
I heard some shuffling from behind but I ignored it, too enticed by what was happening.
This book was weird… It was giving me dark vibes…
Wait…
Wait…
The scene was finally getting clearer.
The scene was finally getting clearer.
I glanced at the clock. 10:57 pm.
I glanced at the clock. 10:58 pm.
I paused. Took a shaky breath, then continued.
I paused. Took a shaky breath, then continued.
The shuffling stopped. I heard footsteps getting closer to me.
I glanced at the clock. 10:59 pm.
I looked back nervously at the clock. 10:58 pm.
I read over the next few line.
I look at the clock. Still 10:59 pm
I’m starting to shake. I look at the clock. 10:59 pm.
I’m scared…
There’s someone behind me…
What do they want from me…
My breathing was now erratic, feeling a presence behind me.
I look at the clock. 11:00 pm.
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
I turned around.
I look at the clock. 11:00 pm. I’m almost in tears.
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
I read the last line.
Why, Mr. Clarkson…
I pause.
I close the book.
I turn around.
It’s time to end the last chapter of my life.