​He’d kept a watchful eye on the bookshop for months so far, even though there was little of intrinsic value inside. There were very few rare items, most but not everything was replaceable. Yet he knew many pages on the familiar shelves contained valuable secrets.

​Experience told him where the lady proprietor often tucked away the gems and unseen he would direct determined hunters to acquire them.

​The last time he ventured inside he saw only potential but now he knew lady luck waited amongst the many volumes. One day he’d benefit from his endless vigil and she’d smile on him again. 

This piece was entered in the Flash Fiction Competition at Eklektos Bookshop, Elounda on Sunday 17th September.