Under the Spotlight

The Page Turner (my quaint, inviting bookstore situated in the heart of Willowbrook). The afternoon had been languid-no surprises there. It was not precisely the type of establishment where

t had become my entire existence. Sure, I experienced moments of uncertainty-instances when I questioned whether I was making the right choices. However, the bookstore felt like home, as if I was engaged in something meaningful. Something commendable. The bell ab

e me, dressed in a casual outfit of dark jeans paired with a simple navy shirt. His sunglasses hung loosely from his collar, while his hair, tousled in that nonchalant manner that only celebrities seem to master, enhanced his already striking appearance. But it wasn't merely his looks that took me aback; it was the sheer reality of his presence. Caleb

one discovered a celebrity seeking assistance in a small-town bookstore. "What kind of book are you looking for?" I managed to inquire, more out of habit than anything else. He surveyed the shop, clearly uncertain. "Something... quiet," he replied, his gaze settling on the bookshelves, as if the notion of perusing them was a novel experience. "Somethi

A part of me wanted to pinch myself (to confirm whether I was dreaming). I scanned the shelves, my gaze landing on a compilation of short stories by a relatively obscure author. The type of book that wasn't a bestseller, but rather one that had been shared among readers, cherished in quiet nooks like this one. "This one might be what you're looking for,"

smile tugging at his lips. "You know, I've never been much of a reader. But something about this place..." He trailed off, as though he were searching for the right words. "It's different. There's a peace here." I couldn't help but smile. It was one of those rare moments in which I felt proud of my little bookstore, proud that something I cherished deeply had impacted

s too engrossed in displaying his characteristic, easygoing grin. "Hey, Liv," he exclaimed while stepping inside, but then he halted abruptly. "Wait. Is that... Caleb Montgomery?" I quickly cast a fleeting, almost apologetic glance at Caleb, who appeared somewhat startled by the unexpected interruption. But then Caleb laughed softly, a self-deprecating chuckle that

ething I wasn't prepared for, however. I had devoted the last few years to constructing my life around this bookstore: my