I left the cacophony behind to be replaced with hum of conversation of people walking down.
The moment I crossed onto the familiar street, I was able to breathe and finally find some comfort as the air started to warm up. Kids ran along in small groups with books they acquired from various stores and with parents very much in their wake.
Watching families walk together, I could never help but wonder what life would be like if my parents were together too.
"Iris" a warm voice called from across the street. I looked up to see Ruth standing in the doorway of her bookstore, waving at me. I smiled as I walked the brief distance between us.
Ruth was one of the pack's elders all her kids left and her mate Tom had passed away a few years ago. She'd kept the bookstore open even after he passed because that's where they'd spent of their time together.
Ruth held the door open for me as I walked into the warmth that was there for me. "Hello, Dear" Ruth smiled at me. "You didn't have to hold the door open," I said to her while putting down my basket.
"Oh, please I had just finished with a client and spotted you" She giggled and moved further into her shop, the door bell ringing after it closed on me.
"Come, Dear" Ruth called out from deep inside in the store. I took off my cape and placed over my basket.
"Coming," I walked through the book store. The book store was my favourite too. Its floor to ceiling shelves of books and you could find anything you could imagine. If you couldn't find it in the library or other stores you would find it here.
I left the cacophony behind to be replaced with hum of conversation of people walking down.
The moment I crossed onto the familiar cobblestone street, I was able to breathe and finally find some comfort as the air started to warm up. Kids ran along in small groups with books they acquired from various stores and with parents very much in their wake.
Watching families walk together, I could never help but wonder what life would be like if my parents were together too.
"Iris" a warm voice called from across the street. I looked up to see Ruth standing in the doorway of her bookstore, waving at me. I smiled as I walked the brief distance between us.
Ruth was one of the pack's elders all her kids left and her mate Tom had passed away a few years ago. She'd kept the bookstore open even after he passed because that's where they'd spent of their time together.
Ruth held the door open for me as I walked into the warmth that was there for me. "Hello, Dear" Ruth smiled at me. "You didn't have to hold the door open," I said to her while putting down my basket.
"Oh, please I had just finished with a client and spotted you" She giggled and moved further into her shop, the door bell ringing after it closed on me.
"Come, Dear" Ruth called out from deep inside in the store. I took off my cape and placed over my basket.
"Coming," I walked through the book store. The book store was my favourite too. Its floor to ceiling shelves of books and you could find anything you could imagine. If you couldn't find it in the library or other stores you would find it here.
The deeper into the shop I travelled, the more the scent of ink and parchment wafted to meet me, reassuring me as if I were home.
As I was compelled to go to the market for Clara I would always go here and see Ruth.
She was always like a grandmother. Clara did allow Ruth to visit me and come see me when I was small, but when I was three years old, something happened that caused them not to come anymore.
It turned out Clara didn't like me getting attention from visitors over her twins.
"Sit, Dear" Ruth said setting down two tea cups and a plate of biscuits on small wooden work table.
I pulled out a chair, looked down at it then back up at Ruth. "You added pillows to the chairs?" I said sitting down.
"Yes, I had to." She halted and sat down. "If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to work as long as I have to" She pushed the plate of biscuits towards me.
"You should open the shop when required and not keep the shop open all day," I sipped the tea.
"Well, you see why I left it open," she replied with a sorrowful heart. "Maybe you could take over soon." She placed her hand on top of mine gently. I nodded slowly, pained by the burden of her words. "We could only pray to the Moon Goddess and hope that she hears us soon," I placed my hand on top of hers.
"Oh, I forgot" I got up and went to the basket. I got something out of it and walked back to the table and placed a book on the table.
"Did you enjoy reading it?" She picked it up and examined it. "Well I did, but I've not finished it," I picked a biscuit up.
"Why are you bringing it back then?" She eyed me. "You're kind to lend them to me for free, and I am unable to come tomorrow because Liam is stepping in as Alpha" took a chunk out of the biscuit.
"Ahh, I see" She put the book down. "Dear, you just bring it back after the celebration' are finished," She smiled.
I shook my head "No, thank you"
She laughed "You and your rules"
I glanced at her "You've always done this, even when I was starting to learn you how to read and write," She began "Even mathematics," She laughed a little bit. "I enjoyed teaching" She glanced at me.
"I learned it fast" I laughed. "Yes," She answered.
We enjoyed each other's company for a few of minutes before I had to head out.
Stepping out into the store, I was met with cold wind and howling winds. "I hope the wind doesn't get me," I muttered, hugging my cape closer as I set off walking home.