My Lover Returns

ted the strap of her cumbersome tote bag. She paused for a moment to breathe in deeply the crispness of the morning air. The scent of blooming flowers, damp earth, and freshly brewed coffee f

st have seemed incomprehensible to the townsfolk. How could someone who had been so tragically bruised bear herself so? Well, she was not lik

downtown-innocent air of past decades. Children played in the square and their laughter echoed across the brick walls as the older residents caught up in the café, sipping c

. Weller, the florist,

erfully, waving her hand while ad

n, a place where stories came alive, and curious minds found refuge. It had been two months since Lila had returned to Willow's

and in front of her face, then stepped inside. Once bright and beautiful, the room now seemed weary. Every nook and cranny along the shelves, which

to clean itself," Lila sa

her second home. After all, she spent her time thinking about her grandmother. Annalize was an independent woman, a story lover, and a mentor to all wh

ics, economics to utopian fantasy. "You might not have a diploma, but you have a mind shar

of work was still unfinished, but it was already livelier. She pictured the day young, bright faces came in

e door that startled her completely. She turned, brushing at her hair that had fallen from her loose bun, only t

He was tall and wiry, graying, dressed in a suit that seemed just a touch too formal for Willow

he replie

er head. "Can

" the man said while stepping closer

ying to process what the implications of his words were. "Why

ett, I do not think you understand. Your grand

n. Holding tight to the door frame, her heart pounded. "That couldn't be right.

r that about why she didn't tell you. Fact is, though, that store is mine n

other had always practically starved without this lifeline of a book

" said Lila, her vo

it, but did not intend to hand it over. "I have all the legal documents. I am not her

ect of losing Willow's Nook-the one place that made

?" she shot back at him, rage j

he lights on and thought you should know before you waste any more time.

ila in the doorway, trembling hands and a racing heart. The sound of his shoes

r her sanctuary, her grandmother's le