All the First Pages

Chapter 4

The morning came quickly. The light of day blasted through my window, waking me up abruptly. It was barely six, but the sun wouldn't allow me to go back to sleep. I tip-toed into the family room, no one. I silently checked if the kitchen and living room were empty too, they were. That's strange, my parents are early risers.

With no memory of the insides of my parents' house, I decided to go buy a coffee.

"I'll be back Loki,"

She let out a soft whine as I shut the door. The morning air was brisk, a bit chilly even. I'm starting to feel like myself again, but only by the slightest bit. I'll call them later today, see if they made it to Jersey okay.

I set my route to an old coffee shop I knew in downtown Auburn, a favorite place of mine. Plus, it was a quick 15 minute drive from my parents' place.

"I'll have the usual," I said to the familiar old face behind the counter.

"Ahh, you're back Andy." Randy laughed under his grey mustache.

"I am, for now."

"How's that, uh- music thingy workin' for ya'?"

"Haha, it's been good Randy."

"Well that's great, ain't it? I missed seeing your tall ass in this coffee shop." He handed me a steaming cup.

"Missed you too, anyways, I gotta go, see ya."

"Better not be gone as long, now, ya' hear??"

"Hahaha, I'll be back soon I swear."

I blew the steam off my coffee and took small sips, it's been a while since I've been in downtown. There were small changes here and there, nothing major. I decided to take a little walk, see what I've missed. Same old barber shop, same old antique store, same old people, etc.

I looked to my left to see a not so familiar shop. I decided to venture in.

Books, books everywhere. It was a bookstore. Music softly played throughout the shop, music I knew. It had a very cozy feel to it, the furniture didn't look real up-tight and neat, really, it looked comfy and worn. I walked upstairs to see a reading room with a huge window. A small stage took up a corner of the room. It was wonderful.

I trotted back downstairs and saw a moving body behind the counter. I heard a small yelp from her as the books she was balancing came tumbling down. I quickly walked over to her to help, I picked up the books and looked up at her.

"Thanks, man." sighed the girl.