The old bookstore at the end of the street had been closed for years until today. That was the rumour that was spreading and making its way around town.
Josephine wondered in class about the rumours as she had also overheard two teachers discussing it. She didn't mean to pry. She was on her way to class from the cafeteria, when she heard their whispers.
She didn't mean to stop and listen in but their words kept her glued to a spot. She had to know why the old bookstore was mysteriously closed. She remembered once asking her dad about it and he brushed her off with an ”I don't know”.
This was her chance to find out the truth. Josephine knew that she was no detective but she couldn't help the surge of happiness and adrenaline mixed together that shot up her veins. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest at the thought of the excitement.
She hid herself behind a wall where she could stand safely without being caught but still listen in on the teachers conversation. Her determination to find out the truth was her motivation.
”Did you know that the old bookstore at the end of the street has been opened today?” Miss Clara, one of the teachers, was asking her companion.
”Really! What for?.... Why would they wish to open old wounds again?” asked Miss Bridget exasperatedly.
’Well I heard from a friend who is also a friend of the Mayor's wife that the bookstore would be reopened today. I don't know the details but word is that someone high up is interested in the bookstore” Miss Clara replied.
”Humph, did that ”someone” inquire as to why the bookstore was closed in the first place? It was closed for a good reason” Miss Bridget said bewilderedly.
”Yes I remember it too. That incident that led to the bookstore getting closed. I remember it like yesterday Bri and it still hurts my heart just thinking about it” Miss Clara was almost sobbing.
Holding Clara's hand, Miss Bridget gave her a gentle pat on the back. ”It's okay Clara. That incident should be forgotten now. If only they'll just leave the old bookstore alone and not try to reopen it. I still can't believe that a Murder happened there all those years ago”.
”I still can't wrap my head around it either. Those were good townsfolk who were murdered inside the bookstore. They were just having a relaxing time when those scumbags came in and opened fire” Miss Clara continued.
”Shhhhh, there's no need to go over the events of the past. Those were indeed good townsfolk. I think we need to pay the Mayor a visit. I hope he has a very good explanation for this act of his” replied Miss Bridget.
Nodding in agreement, Miss Clara and Miss Bridget walked away unbeknownst of a third party. Josephine was gobsmacked at all she had heard. She had a million questions to ask but she knew no one would give her an answer without first finding out how she knew what she knew and she didn't want that.
Now she sat in class, hand under her chin as she pondered about all she heard. ”If it is true that a murder occurred there some years ago, then wouldn't it be much better to turn that old bookstore into a memorial centre In honour of the deceased?”
Happy with that thought, Josephine decided to pen down a letter to the Mayor, informing him of this great idea. She knew that this would help the families of the deceased cope with their loss and also show the townsfolk that they are valuable. This is what she did while seated in class.
Thanks for reading. This is my response to the #ecency-star prompt for story #2.
Images were imagined with Meta Ai.