Echoes of Us - Austin Butler

I

ྀི The bookstore ྀི
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶

I wandered through the busy streets of New York, enjoying the beauty of the Christmas shops. The comforting smell of freshly baked cookies, hot tea, and coffee filled the air, along with the sound of laughter from families and kids playing in the snow. Christmas was just five days away, and everyone seemed delighted.

I halted as my gaze stopped at a bookstore. It didn't quite fit in with the other shops, as it didn't look as modern. I hesitated because I already had dozens of unread books at home gathering dust on my shelves-a situation my mother regularly bickered about, since I'm addicted to buying new books every time I see a bookstore.

My legs betrayed me as I walked into the shop. The door creaked open, and I took in the room. It was dimly lit, with only a few people roaming through it, which surprised me since, in my opinion, the bookstore was gorgeous. Decorated to its finest, with pictures of famous writers on the walls and shelves packed with books of all genres.

I calmly walked through the bookstore, looking at the many books. My gaze lingered on a few Franz Kafka books in the literature section-a true classic in my eyes. I had nearly all of his books except The Castle, so I decided to pick it up. One more book wouldn't hurt, right?

As I continued to explore, a smile spread across my face when I saw they had one of my favorite books: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I picked it up, and a note fell out of it. Before picking up the note, I put the book back.

"Sometimes the heart remembers what the mind has long forgotten."

Why was there a note in it? I thought to myself. The book seemed old, not newly purchased. The note did fit with the book's plot, so I shrugged it off, putting the note back into the book.

At the checkout, a woman stood in front of me with a whole pile of books. I chuckled to myself, since I could relate to her. While I waited, I noticed a young man, maybe in his mid-20s, sitting on a chair a few feet away from me, his eyes fixed on me.

He noticed that I caught his stare, so he pretended that he was only looking around the room.

The woman in front of me finally finished, leaving with her two full bags. "Ooh, Franz Kafka-a classic," the woman at the counter said with a smile as she scanned my book, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Yeah, he's incredible," I replied, smiling back.

"That will be $12.99, ma'am." I handed her $13 and left the bookstore. On my way out, I noticed the man's gaze again. This time, I could see his face more clearly as I walked past him.

Up close, I could see his sharp features, dark blonde hair with a slight wave, and piercing blue eyes that stood out even in the dim light. A short stubble framed his jaw, and there was something about his expression-gentle but intense, as if he knew me, though I didn't know him. I couldn't deny he was handsome, his face the kind that would linger in your mind.

Just as I reached the door, I glanced back. He was still looking directly at me, and this time, he didn't look away. His steady gaze was magnetic, pulling me in. I froze, feeling my stomach drop, though I wasn't sure why.

A man behind me politely cleared his throat, trying to get by. Startled, I snapped out of my trance. "Sorry," I murmured, and hurried out the door, my cheeks flushed.

Outside, I was met by the cold winter breeze as I walked back home, my new book in hand.

⠀⠀
︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶

A/N

The first chapter is finished. i will try to write one again this weekend if I can. I'm curious what yall think the plot would be :)