him and her

The scent of old paper and ink is a comfort, a familiar shield against the chaotic world outside. You stand in Mooney's, arranging books, your mind drifting to your beloved ex, Guinevere Beck. The small bell above the door jingles, and you look up.

She walks in, a new face. A pink, innocent pair of ballet flats, a loose, sheer green top – a fascinating contradiction. You watch her browse, a silent observer in your own domain. She approaches the shelf you're near, and for a moment, you catch her eye. An innocent smile flashes.

She taps your shoulder, and you turn. Her face is captivating – wavy brown hair, green eyes, high cheekbones. She asks about a book, her voice like honey. 'The Catcher in the Rye...' she muses. Not what you expected. As you retrieve the book, it slips, and for a fleeting second, you see the black lace of her bra as she bends to pick it up. A tease, you think. At the register, you glimpse a driver's license – Charlie Simmons. Her name feels right coming out of your mouth. Before she leaves, she turns and waves, a simple gesture that feels monumental. You know, with a chilling certainty, that she felt it too.