Realignment

Slam! The door slammed behind Eldon as he climbed out of the car. The howl of the wind was intense. He tightened the coat around his waist. He tried to see the names of the stores. It was hard to see through the debris.

Eldon stopped at the third store on the street. Though he couldn’t see the store sign, he knew that the bookstore was just past the coffee shop. This wasn’t an ordinary bookstore; in fact, it only sold books that were out of print and unusual.

Eldon slipped inside and brushed his hair back into place. He let out a gasp when he surveyed the surroundings. There wasn’t a single item in the place. Every book, chair, and shelf had been removed.

“What?” asked Eldon.

Just then, a man came from the back room. “Can I help you?”

“I was looking for the bookstore! It used to be here.” The man looked wearily at Eldon.

“A bookstore?” he asked.

“Yes, The Cobblestone Bookstore,” said Eldon as he walked back to check the sign outside. There wasn’t a sign there at all. The only thing left were the nails that once held it in place.

“What did you do with the bookstore?” demanded Eldon.

“Young man, I don’t know what you are talking about. We just bought this store. It’s been vacant for years. My brother and I are trying to open up a second-hand store.”

Eldon turned to run out the door, but it was locked.