Under the Sand

Death

Ever since you were little, your parents would bring you into this one bookstore. It was owned by this little old lady, who'd always give you sweets when you came in. When you were younger you had a strange obsession with ancient Egypt. You read every book you could get your grubby little hands on.

The bookstore was perfect for that. The owner used to be an archeologist and would often tell you stories of her travels and findings. She'd show you pictures of her findings often already in the Cairo Museum. She'd often direct you to books that would be about ancient Egypt that you in turn, would beg your parents to buy.

You became even more obsessed to the point that she was teaching you to read and write hieroglyphs. You couldn't get a total grasp on speaking it though, but you'd always try your best.

As you grew, you changed interest and such. You'd still visit the bookstore though. The place always had good books and the owner knew you. Eventually you even got yourself a job there. The owner was getting older and having difficulty with things around the shop.

As more time went on, the more you helped out with the shop. You even became closer to the owner. She never had any kids of her own. "No one can tie this foxy babe down." She was right though. Each week you'd catch her flirting with a different man.

As time went on you both got to more talking and learning from each other. After running out of similar interest to talk about you both moved on to telling life stories. You didn't have many experiences in life, so she got to talk more.

Since you were an adult now, she could tell you more of her saucier stories. Such as her relationships with these guys named Mutou and Hawkins. She even told you more stories of her adventures hunting down people who would rob the archeological sites.

You both reminisced about how when you were younger you were super obsessed with ancient Egypt and her stories. Something about reminiscing about the past sparked something in you and rekindled your love of ancient Egypt.

Once again, you started up on learning about ancient Egypt again. This time you could read the adult books without much difficulty. You picked up reading and writing hieroglyphs once again. You tried to buy books but this time she just gave them to you. But there were some books she wouldn't let you take.

They were on a shelf in the back room, about six of them but there were only two that you really wanted to read. The Mysteries of Kul Elna and Hidden Beneath the Sands. They looked like the oldest books in the store. Dusty, binding almost off of the books themselves. They were copies of ancient scrolls all written in hieroglyphics. She told you one day they would be yours but for now you would need to study more.

One day a stranger came into the shop while you were stacking a new shipment of books. He was tall and had a permanent scowl on his face. He was quite slim and wearing a suit. You were a bit apprehensive to greet him since he looked angry, but he was also kinda cute.

"Welcome! Do you need help finding a book?" You started.

"Bring me the owner." He said bitterly.

You furrowed your brows a bit confused but went to go and fetch her. When you found her, you told her there was this guy asking for her.

"I hope he's cute." She said as she shuffled past you.

You let out a small laugh as you followed behind.

"He looks pretty mean." You retorted.

"Nothing, I can't handle." She said before going to the front.

You went back to stacking books into shelves. You listened in on their conversation since today was a particularly slow day. They were talking about the bookstore and some books. When you listened in closer you realized he wanted the books that were in the back. He only wanted one of them though.