“A single book laid upon the aged wood that made up the floor of this bookstore. It’s brothers and sisters up towering above the fallen comrade. Descended down from its home to a cold living below. Forgotten and fallen prey to gravity, a fate worse than death. Oh, how to be cast aside to live a life alone. Will you ever return to where you belong? Will you be met with open arms or return to this cruel existence.”

“Michael, who are you talking to?” The worried look from the employee fell upon the writer. Finally, kneeling down to retrieve the lone piece of literature. Standing back up, but not fully. For a small slump adorned Michael’s back.

“Oh Nikki, I do apologies for I was deep in thought. Seeing this poor thing also left to be alone in this word.” The brunette sighed at him and approached. Placing a caring hand on his shoulder before grabbing the book.

“Its okay Michael, I know you miss her. I miss her as well, but there is nothing that could have been done. She had to make the trip over the bridge eventually.” His head hung low, but he begrudgingly nodded in agreement. The women smiled gently before putting the book back on the shelf. “You will see her again, we both know this.” Michael looked up and gave a small smile.

“Thank you, Nikki.” Michael looked around at the books. A sad expression still very visible in his eyes. “Being here will be just a constant reminder of her being gone. But she entrusted me with her life's work. I will make her proud and keep helping her dream flourish.” Nikki nodded, patting his back, before returning to her post manning the register. Michael himself walking down the aisle, his hands brushing along the books. Making his way back to the office that belonged to his beloved. Books covering almost every inch of the desk where she sat. Astrid was always well organized in most cases. But when it came to books, she was a mess. Finishing a book and being too quick to grab a new one before even returning, the just read of the two. Taking a seat at a chair that should have been retired way before any of them were born. The old soul that hid deep down inside Astrid was on full display. The fermentation piece of furniture creaked under him as he sat. Smirking and shaking his head at the piles of paper and binders before him. His eyes moving to a framed picture, showing the lovers.

They both sat smiling at the camera. Astrid Sat in Michael Lap, while in front of a fire. They had gone on a camping trip with some of Astrids friends. Only being slightly awkward with both Jan and Jacob being there as well. They didn’t have a clue they were spending the weekend with the very man that traumatized them both. Any, odd feeling toward Michael were quickly dashed. With his years of experience covering the truth about his nightly escapades. Michael was quick to win everyone over.

A ringing of his cell, brought the man out of his trip down memory lane. Looking at the screen of his smart phone, with the name Richard flashing. Taking a slight breath before answering the call. “This is Michael Maplewood here.”

“Michael my boy! Its Richard here. I just wanted to give you a call to inform you of a small business trip. At the end of the week, I need you to fly out to Paris. In two days from now, a large distribution firm whose owner is a friend of the family would like to get your books across sea! He would like to meet with us both and discuss terms.” Without continuing, Michael finally chimed in.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I can’t Richard. You know I’m in charge of the Astrid’s store now”

“Michael, it’s been over 2 weeks now. You can’t just put your career on hold cause of this. I know you care for her, but the store won’t go up in flames without you there. Plus, there’s that employee that works there, right? I’m sure the young thing can run the place perfectly fine.” Michael leaned back in the chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. How could Richard ever understand what he was going through? His loving wife is right there with him. The one dear to him is an arm's length away.

“I’m sorry but I just can’t right now. I need to be here and that’s final Richard. See if they are able to do a video call or something.” Not waiting for a response, Michael hung up the phone. As he did, the ringing of the front door sounded. Getting up from his leaned back position, he made his way to the front. His head hung low and in a low energized voice. “Welcome to Adventures in Store. If you need anything, please feel free to ask.”

“Well how about you start by not looking so sad shit ass. You’re going to scare off customers. If this is how you were going to be then I wouldn’t of left the store in your care.” The sweet yet sassy tone made Michael’s head shoot up. Standing with a large pink suitcase, was a lightly sun kissed Astrid. She removed her yellow sunhat, giving a bright smile. “Suprise! Thought I’d come home a bit early.” Not another word was spoken as Michael had rushed over to her. Picking up with ease before spinning them around. “hey hey, careful now! Jeez Mike, acting like I just came back from the dead.” Astrid chuckled, gently hitting her lover’s shoulders. Once he finally released her from his bear hug. The blonde sighed looking up at him. “Maybe I should go to my parents more often if this is what I’m getting once I’m back.” The sudden commotion caught the attention of Nikki who was putting some books away.

“Welcome back Miss Astrid! Thought you were going to be gone till next Monday?”

“That was the plan, but there is only so much I can take of my folks. Plus wanted to make sure this place was still standing.” Nikki giggled joining the other two by the front door.

“Oh yes! We've taken great care of the store. Other than Mr. Sad-sap here mopping around the joint. To say he missed you was an understatement.” Astrid smirked and looked at Michael.

“Aww poor baby, been a sad puppy without me here?” Michael simply rolled his eyes playfully.

“Oh, just admit you came back early, because you missed me as well Mon Cher.~” Astrid blushed but kept smiling, as she punched him in the shoulder.

“We’ll just agree to disagree Mike.” They smiled at one another, without a word being spoken. Nikki looked between them both and smiled. Letting the two lovebirds enjoy their reunion, she returned to the job at hand.

“Well whoever missed the other one more doesn’t matter. Welcome back darling, and this is actually perfect!”

“Why thank you Mike, I know I am.” Michael rolled his eyes at her comment. He broke his phone out of his pocket. Astrid tilted her head and wasn’t sure what his phone had to do with being perfect. Raising a finger at her puzzled look as he made a call. After a few seconds of ringing someone finally picked up.

“Richard? Its Michael. Change of plans! I will make that trip to talk with the fellow. On one condition!” Looking over at Astrid who was still confused. “I’m going to need an extra ticket for a guest.” A few moment of silence went by as Michael just nodded. Eventually hanging up the phone. “Hope you are not too tired from your trip. ~”

“Why....” Astrid asked afraid of the answer she was going to receive.

“Cause Mon Cher~~ We leave for Paris in two days!”