The Bookstore

(30) The Calm Before the Storm

Jack

Sophie arrived, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She looked around, eyes wide with worry. I couldn't help but notice she was cleaning her hands together, constantly. I didn't give a further thought about it, I didn't even know where she went.

"Jack! I went to find someone to help, but the streets were empty." I nodded, grateful she was back but needing to focus on Lily.

 "It's okay. Let's get Lily to the bookstore so she can rest."

We made our way back, me supporting Lily's weight with Sophie by our side. The cool night air was refreshing but did little to ease my anxiety. Entering the bookstore, the familiar scent of old books and polished wood was a stark contrast to the eerie emptiness of the streets outside. 

"Hang in there, Lily. We're almost home," I reassured her. Sophie hurried ahead to make sure her bed was ready. 

"I'll make sure her bed is ready," she said, her voice strained with concern.

***

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the bookstore. Lily, though still pale, seemed more composed as she joined us in decorating for Tyler's birthday. Bella was already hanging up streamers and balloons, her enthusiasm infectious. 

"Tyler's going to love this. Thanks for letting us use the bookstore, Lily." Lily smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. 

"Of course. It's perfect for a surprise party."

We transformed the cozy bookstore into a festive wonderland, complete with a large banner reading "Happy 18th Birthday, Tyler!" Tyler's arrival was met with cheers and applause. His eyes widened in surprise, a huge grin spreading across his face. 

"Wow, you guys really went all out! Thanks, everyone." I clapped him on the back. 

"You're eighteen now, kid. Had to make it special."

The day was filled with laughter, music, and the joyous chatter of friends. The sound of celebratory conversation echoed through the bookstore. Bella handed out slices of cake while Sophie and I made sure everyone had enough to drink. The atmosphere was electric, but as the day turned into evening, the energy mellowed.

As the sky darkened, the party's pace slowed. The twilight cast a gentle, calming light over everything. Bella leaned back in her chair, a contented smile on her face. 

"It's been such a great day. I can't believe Tyler's all grown up." Sophie nodded, her expression soft. 

"It's wonderful seeing everyone together like this."

We sat in small groups, sharing stories and enjoying the calm. The bookstore, with its soft lighting and cozy corners, felt like a haven. But then, without warning, the lights flickered and went out, plunging us into darkness. The festive mood evaporated, replaced by a tense silence. 

"Stay calm, everyone. I'll check the breaker," I said, grabbing a flashlight. Tyler stood up, his face serious. 

"Need some help, Jack?" I shook my head. 

"I got it. Just stay here."

Stepping outside, the night was eerily still. The beam of my flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the path to the electrical box. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. 

"What's going on here? This doesn't feel right," I muttered to myself, the uneasy atmosphere making my skin prickle.

The street was empty, the only sound the distant hum of the city. My flashlight flickered, adding to my growing sense of unease. Reaching the electrical box, I opened it and checked the breakers. Everything seemed fine, but the power remained off. I stood there for a moment, the silence pressing in on me. Something wasn't right, and I had a feeling we were about to find out exactly what.

Lily

I watched Jack disappear into the darkness with a flashlight, a sense of dread settling in my stomach. The bookstore was shrouded in an unsettling silence, everyone else talking quietly amongst themselves. Minutes ticked by, and Jack didn't return. My anxiety spiked. 

"I'm going to check on him," I said, standing up. Sophie looked at me, concern etched on her face. 

"Be careful, Lily."

I stepped outside, the cool night air hitting my face. The darkness was oppressive, the beam of my own flashlight flickering as I followed the path Jack had taken. The silence was almost tangible, wrapping around me like a suffocating blanket. 

"Jack?" I called out softly, but there was no response.

As I neared the power box, a sudden grunt and a thud reached my ears, making my heart leap. I ran towards the sound, my flashlight trembling in my hand. Rounding the corner, I found Jack leaning against the power box, clutching his upper arm. Blood trickled down from a nasty cut. 

"Jack! What happened?" I exclaimed, rushing to his side.

He looked up at me, wincing slightly but trying to smile. 

"I'm okay, Lily. Just a little accident." His voice was strained.

 "I was trying to get the power back on. There were some sparks, and I got startled. When I backed away, I cut my arm on a piece of something sharp attached to the fence. But it's fine, really."

I shook my head, my worry intensifying. 

"That doesn't sound fine to me. We need to get you cleaned up." I helped him to his feet, his weight heavy against me as we walked back towards the bookstore. 

"Let's get you back inside and take care of that cut."

Back in the bookstore, the others gathered around us, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. Sophie quickly grabbed the first aid kit, and Bella helped me get Jack settled into a chair. 

"What happened?" Sophie asked, her hands steady as she began cleaning the wound.

Jack winced again but remained calm. 

"Just a little run-in with some live wires and a sharp fence. Nothing too serious." He tried to downplay it, but I could see the pain in his eyes. 

"You scared us, Jack. You need to be more careful," I said, my voice tinged with frustration and relief.

As Sophie finished bandaging his arm, Jack looked around at everyone. 

"I'll be fine. But we still need to figure out what's going on with the power." His determination was clear, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was at play.

The night dragged on, tension hanging heavy in the air. The darkness outside seemed to press in on us, the bookstore feeling both like a refuge and a trap. As we settled back down, trying to resume some semblance of normalcy, I couldn't help but glance at Jack, my worry for him mingling with the unresolved unease about what had caused the power outage in the first place.