This is my contribution to Sunday Photo Fiction for January 25, 2015. Every Sunday a new picture prompt is given by Alastair Forbes, the host. The weekly challenge is to write an original story with no more than 200 words. It’s supposed to have a beginning, middle, end, and follow the picture prompt for the week. Be sure to click on the little blue frog in the blue box to read all the other stories.
The link for all other stories is as follows:
http://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/sunday-photo-fiction-january-25th-2015/
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Word Count: 200 Words
ONE STEP BEYOND P.S. Joshi
John had worked in the old book shop for years.
He thought to himself, “I know it’s closed, but I feel I have a duty to still dust and shelve.”
Day after day he came–alone, all alone. He lovingly wiped the shelves and checked the order of the books. He swept the floor.
This was a second home to him. He’d never married and had children.
He never found the woman who could fill his life as completely as his work. His parents never got along. They fought constantly. Mr. Wilson, the shop owner, was always so kind to him. Life became a set pattern. Change became too difficult.
One day he heard a voice, “John, its time to move on.”
Unafraid, just startled, he felt real love for the first time in his solitary life. He was understood and no longer isolated.
A light appeared, and he felt drawn toward it.
A man and his friend were passing the shop one day. Looking at it boarded up, he said, “You know, I once heard that place was haunted.”
His friend said, “Oh, get real. You don’t believe in ghosts, do you?”
This is a sad tale, but comforting too. He was a true book lover, I can just see him wiping those shelves!
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Thanks Aileen. Yes, he really loved the place. Now he’s in an even better place. I’m so glad you liked the story. 🙂 — Suzanne
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The poor chap just couldn’t let go. I’m glad his spirit was ultimately drawn to the other side. I wouldn’t want to think of him still there!
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Thanks, Ali. Yes, his spirit finally found true love and rest. I’m so glad you liked the story, especially the ending. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I am certain that heaven is a book store. Wonderful story..
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Thanks, Pat. It very well may be for some people. I’m so pleased you liked the story. 🙂 — Suzanne
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