The Bookseller's Stories (Or, "From Whence The Cane Came")

A Story by Spencer Barker

The old man, leathery hands grasped Gregory’s shoulders as if welcoming a grand hug. Gregory was unsure of the old man, the closeness, the indescribable familiarity. Nonetheless, he accepted the man’s hands. Then a whisper so soft, so quiet, Gregory was about to ask what he had said, but he understood immediately: “Do you like stories, Gregory?” The boy’s face lit up, as if Christmas morning was upon them, the gifts lined among the boundaries of the tree, glistening. And the old man, Santa Claus waiting for the ever-patient boy to respond to his offer of treat. “Yes”, said Gregory, “Yes, I do."

The old man let go of his shoulders and humbled past him, watching his eyes as he went. The brilliant glow of his old, kind face gave way to a younger, spirited boy he once was. “Come boy, I shall tell you a story.” The old man led Gregory half past from the Christmas tree (of books) to a small corner of the great kingdom, into the seat of a leather chair just as worn as the old man. And resting his cane, straightening his glasses, and finally resting upon a twin chair, the old man began the boy’s journey.