The Last Bookstore | Short Story

　Nature engulfs the creations of mankind with its wrath. Cities no longer show the fluid and swift lives that characterised their existence. Everything is still, expect for the air that carries nature's wrath even further.

　However, mankind were also born with nature. Cannot be easily forsaken as long as this world still circulates. Few have survived, who knows how long they will last.

　Survivors tear down branches that block doors into buildings. Nature does its part in making the trial of judgement more complicated. After a struggle, survivors of mankind get a moment of relief and familiarity. Materials called their masterpiece. Some storing nutrients originating from their primal enemies. Some providing new abilities applied from the wonders of this world.

　There are some poor materials that are never sought by the survivors. Creations that are questioned of existence in this trial. Nature pities those as many were made with their kin. The most pitied of all are the ones called books. Some are used to obtain hints to last longer in the trial. Remaining ones are thrown for the sole purpose of kindling fire. Not many seek for the simple pleasure of facing fantasies anymore.

　An exception exists. One of mystery, even old nature cannot see through its veil. It takes the shape of the survivors but blends itself into greenery. Never slumbers nor consumes. Always seen with a book in its so called hands. It is based in a small corner of a building that used to serve past survivors. A corner filled with the belittled books.

　It rarely gets any visitors. When it does, it shows a well-adapted humane expression. The most recent guest was a young man and a toddler girl. Asked for a book with colourful pictures and easy text. The mysterious existence wandered around the corner like it's its own mind. Took out a red book and handed it to the young man. He asked the ransom and it pointed at another book. An old blue book had been left behind since.

　Most of its rare visitors had some memories or love towards certain books. Even nature shows some blooms alongside it as it sees the survivors' fondness. It never asked for edible or usable resources. Just to exchange more books. Survivors would always share a tale between themsleves and their books. It would always listen peacefully through the countertop.

　When exchanged, it would start reading the newly welcomed book. After reading, the book is clean from any smudges or silverfish. Crisp and clean like new. It quietly pushes it back into a cozy spot on the shelves and grabs another.

　No spores or greenery engulfing the corner. No wildlife, no signs of human living. Yet, it still exists. It has existed since the day of nature's wrath. No one knows of its origins or intentions. Only one fact is taken granted. It is a shelter for books and bookworms alike. Among the bookworms, this corner is called "The Last Bookstore". There's no readable sign but you will be able to tell. The showcase windows is cleared from the grasp of branches and moss, unlike the other corners of the building.

　The trial's end is still unknown. However, that does not matter to the master of this corner. It will always be sitting behind the counter with a book. Never talking, never slumbering, never consuming, never away. The books on the shelves also stay still alongside it. Never decaying, emitting the soothing smell that overwhelms the scent of dirt and dust. Truly an enigma, defying the laws of nature, staying in one place at one time alone.

　If you ever do find it, always remember to bring a book or two. Otherwise, the doors may not be left open for you. The Last Bookstore and its master will always wait for a fellow book lover amidst the restoration of nature's reign. After all, books were the only ones blessed to last amongst all other mankind's creations.

Postscript

　I've thought of writing the postscript in Japanese instead (thinking of the main audience in note) but then I changed my mind. Might as well continue writing the entire article/post in English. Haha.

　This was written in only 2 days in response to Kakuyomu's internal writing event called KAC. I've always seen it happen but never really had the chance to participate in it. Since I'm focusing on writing on note this year, I thought I should try participating it in the non-official method.

　The non-official method I'm taking is:
　- Follow the prompt and word/letter limit.
　- Follow the deadline but only based on the date.

　The very first prompt due between March 1st - 3rd 2023 was "bookstore". I was listening to a lo-fi music video under the theme of "apocalypse" at the time I saw the announcement. That resulted in this odd prose. It's pretty rough around the edges, but for now I am satisfied.

　If you've read this till the end, thank you very much. I don't expect many people to read this hideous amount of English, so it means a lot if you did. I'm also not a native speaker/writer, so I'm sorry if you see any weird parts. Hope you'll have a nice day or night.