Miss Me?

Chapter 3

Hello there! It has been a very long time. A year to be exact. I apologize for any inconvenience! I have now breathed new life into this story and will continue to do so until the conclusion. Thank you so much!

Chapter 3 - Paper Memories

Rion POV

 *Flashback*

Book on grief, book on grief. I cannot seem to find a book on grief...

"Would you like any help young man? Perhaps a specific book that you are looking for?"

I looked up to see a quaint, old man with a smile.

"Ah yes, I am looking for a book on the emotional spectrum, perhaps with an emphasis on grief? I know it sounds strange, but I need it for my final research paper. My English professor has an appreciation for human behavior and emotions- sorry I am boring you, but yes a book on that would be good." I scratched the back of my neck sheepishly at my elongated answer.

The man broke out in laughter.

"It is quite alright. In fact, it is nice to have a conversation with some young folk for a change. Most of the time I have teenagers come in asking about- nudies, are they? Something about playgirls and good stuff. I honestly do not understand this generation. Ah now I am blabbering. Let's see..." He leaned up on a higher shelf and brushed his hands on some books.

I had to contain my laughter at his antics. He kind of reminded me of my own grandfather.

"Aha, how about 'Humans Conditioned: Deep Sorrows & How to Cope'?" He pulled out a large book with intricate detailing on the cover.

"Yes, that sounds about right!"

"Great, here you are. So you are a student, yes?"

"Yes, I attend the college two blocks down."

"Splendid! A bright future then." He clapped his hands.

"Well I'm not so sure about that, but I will most definitely be trying my best."

"Great to hear, me boy. Now I will be around the corner, be sure to ask if you need help with any other books on grief and deep sorrows." He chuckled. "Or anything else, of course. Except nudies, we do not carry those."

He chuckled down the aisle.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to."

I hummed and look down at the pile of books I had in my hands. Even though I was here to gather some research journals and other books for my paper, I had my own personal gratification from the book-searching. I set down my stack and cracked open my new find and possibly my last addition.

I read a couple of the lines and skimmed.

'Grief is the feeling of deep sorrow due to loss, disappointment, or any other misfortune suffered by-'

A sharp, breathy whistle broke me out of my reading, scaring me in the process.

I stared up at the perpetrator.

He was... wow. Do not stare, Rion. Just take your books. I seemed to have been staring at the stranger. A buff guy with a snug, black tank and jeans. Simple, I thought. Well there goes the staring.