Open Book

Chapter 1 - Nora's Cafe

The earthy aroma from the coffee shop instantly filled Lacey's nose as she opened the door. The bell above the door rang lightly, signaling her arrival.

"Lacey, darling, you're back!" A short, grandmother-like woman stepped around the counter and engulfed her in a warm hug. "Look how much you've grown! It seems like it's been forever since you last came in!"

Lacey laughed. "It's been only six months, Ms. Nora."

"A lifetime to me. Come, have a seat." She gestured to a small table near the window. "Tell me all about your trip to Paris."

"It was everything I ever dreamed of." Lacey sighed as she slid into the chair opposite Ms. Nora. Her face lit up as she remembered all the memories she had made. "All the traveling was a bit tiring, but it was definitely worth it in the end. I visited the Eiffel Tower right away, I couldn't help myself. It was much larger than I thought it would be and it would light up and twinkle at night. The art museums held so many treasures, I spent days looking at them. They had so many coffee shops and bakeries, although none were as exquisite as yours. It was so magical. I wish you could have been there to see it with me."

"Oh, you know I couldn't do that. It hurts to just get out of bed. I wouldn't make the trip. But seeing you smile like this is enough. I'm glad you were able to go." She reached across the table and grasped Lacey's hand. "Now, what can I get you?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Lacey smiled. "I know I've been gone a while, but not long enough that you'd forget my usual, I'm sure. I'll have a..."

"Flat white and a blueberry muffin." Ms. Nora finished. "Coming right up!"

As she prepared her drink, Lacey looked around the shop and noticed the many changes that had occurred since she had left. The walls were practically bare, the welcome sign had been removed, and only two tables stood where there had been five.

"Ms. Nora, is your café changing locations?"

"Not without my consent," she laughed, "No, we're still in the same spot we've always been. Why do you ask, dear?"

"What happened to all the decorations and the furniture? Has business really gone that bad since I left?"

"You know how it works. People come and people go. Unfortunately, we've had more of the latter recently." Ms. Nora stepped around the counter and set down the coffee and muffin. "Although, I do think I may be able to pinpoint the culprit."

Wiping her hands on her apron, she sat down and joined Lacey. "Earlier this year the Kreuger family moved to town, as you know. They opened many businesses along Main Street since you left. Unfortunately, most of my customers prefer the new Urban Café to my café. I'm afraid I'll be retiring sooner than I had planned."

"This is upsetting to hear. There must be a way for both coffee shops to remain open. But even if there is not, yours is a favorite among the locals. Shouldn't the Kreugers look at the big picture and see that there are people that they are hurting?" Lacey looked up at Ms. Nora. "Surely this has upset you! And yet, I don't see any trace of distress on your face."

"I do not see any wrong with what they did. This is how business works. Besides, I was planning to retire soon and now many young people are able to provide for their families. Perhaps it is you who can not see the big picture."

"You are right. I will try to forgive them, though I am sure it will not come as easily to me as it did to you. I can only dream to be even a fraction of the person you are. Oh, how I missed you!"

"I missed you too, darling Lacey, more than you will ever know. But come, surely you have better things to do than talk to an old lady," Ms. Nora laughed. "Have you visited Mr. Anderson yet?"

"No, not yet. Has his business held up through all of this?"

"As far as I know, the Kreugers have not introduced a new bookstore in town. He is secure for the time being."

"That is good to hear. Would you like me to pick anything up for you while I am out?" Lacey gathered her belongings and stood up.

"No, thank you. I have all I need at the moment."

"Good bye, then, Ms. Nora. I will be sure to visit tomorrow!" Lacey hugged her friend and left the coffee shop.

Mr. Anderson's bookstore was only a few blocks down the street. As she walked, she took the time to study her surroundings. Ms. Nora was right, the Kreugers had changed the town, although she couldn't agree it was for the better. A wave of sadness overwhelmed her as she noticed the "permanently closed" signs that now hung over the doors of many of her favorite stores.

Fifth Street once bustled with shoppers, all eager to visit their friends as they congregated on the streets. Now the streets were empty, devoid of any kind of any kind of life. Piles of trash lined the sidewalks and broken glass replaced most of the windows. Oschta Valley was almost unrecognizable in this ghost town state.

Her spirits lifted when she heard a familiar voice. Mr. Anderson's deep laugh carried through the window of his bookstore and Lacey picked up her pace. It was always a comfort to enter his store, even if she chose not to buy anything.

After her parents had died, Mr. Anderson took it upon himself to be like a father to her and her sister. They did not need to live with him, for they were of age. He just looked after their needs like a father would. Between him and Ms. Nora, Lacey was able to overcome her grief and return to normal life. She felt they would forever be in debt to them.