Back Of Beyond Bookstore Novels & Stories

It looked like completely normal life, and now that I knew exactly what existed beneath Black Hollow’s ordinary surface, the town somehow felt more alive instead of less. Harmony tugged my sleeve toward the bookstore near the corner. “I need a new thriller before finals completely destroy my remaining mental health.” I rolled my eyes. “You literally bought three books last week.” “And?” She looked personally offended by the math. The bell above Hollow & Pine Books chimed softly when we stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around us, carrying the scent of fresh coffee and old paper. The bookstore had been here forever, keeping the same creaky floors, the same crooked shelves, and the same old tab

“Are you sure?” “You promised,” is all I said, and she nods, despite clear disapproval. I take her hand and pull her to the door, the silence of the cafe following us out into the cold. “Masie...” Becca starts, but I don’t want to talk about it. We make our way silently to my mother’s bookstore in the middle of Town Square. A quaint little thing between two large clothing stores in the busiest part of town. The Hovel is my Mom’s pride and joy. Before my problems and I ruined everything, Mom would spend most of her time at this place. Lounging and ranting about her favourite books with anyone who would listen. But ever since ‘The incident’ two years ago—that’s what I’m penning it now —the emp

“A donation from the used bookstore in Binghamton that closed. Paperbacks Plus? A whole collection of Leisure Horror paperbacks. Keene, Kenyon, Braunbeck, Ketchum, Sangiovanni . . . big catch, all brand new copies. How’d you work that?” I shrug, sorting out the tax forms for Bassler Library and Paperbacks Plus. “I’ve known the manager for a while. Used to go there a lot when I attended Binghamton University. She was one of the first people I called for advice when I decided to reopen this place, so when she learned her store owner was dropping the ax, she called and promised to send me her best stuff. So, great donation, sucky circumstances.” Cassie snorts. “No doubt.”

She bared her teeth and let out a deafening roar, hoping to intimidate the wolves. Just when all hope seemed lost, as Samantha and her children braced themselves for the inevitable attack, the ground shook beneath them as Alexander's massive form burst through the trees.

Now, all at once, it hit me that everything I had given over the years had been nothing more than a one-sided effort. I was just about to book a flight when I realized I had forgotten my ID and passport, so I had no choice but to return home. The moment I opened the door, I was greeted by a mess all over the floor. Leftover snacks were scattered everywhere, along with half-finished dishes left behind. Right by the bedroom door lay something impossible to miss—a box of levonorgestrel pills and a piece of wine-red lingerie. Willow had never liked being physically intimate with me. Even Naomi's existence had come from a drunken incident.

When the extreme-heat apocalypse arrived, surface temperatures reached 158°F, and the first group of people began moving to Frostpoint Base. As a scientist, my wife had two spots to bring family members with her. Everyone thought she would take me without hesitation. But in the end, she put the name of her graduate student on the application. "He's my student, and he doesn't have his parents with him. I can't bear to leave him alone in a place this hot." She submitted the application without a second thought. Her next words chilled me to the bone. "Ethan, you're different. You've been tough since you were a kid. I know you can survive until the second group is evacuated." I forced a bitter s

The little triangle thing, he suddenly wondered if it had a name, was pointing to yes. The window on the other side of the door asked “Do I really need another candle?” The magic 8 ball underneath it had the answer of “Yes – Definitely” On the door in elegant script was Botanica Wiccan Bookstore, established 2006 Ciara Goode, Proprietess In both windows were elaborate and beautiful displays of books, candles, crystals, tarot cards and novelties. Working up his courage, Knuckles got off his bike and walked inside. He had expected the whole place to be dark and broody.

Now, Natasha was with me, and we were about to do something new. “What do you think about this?” Natasha showed me her screen and I pondered staring at a building for a while. This was a fashion store adjacent to Moretti shoes on one of the popular landmarks in our city. The fashion store was said to have filed for bankruptcy because Moretti Shoes sent it out of business over a decade ago. Ever since then, their sales plummeted largely to the extent that they did not have any more sales, not even one unit sale in the last two years.

She didn't know if she'd ever get back. As they began the walk back home, Sonia made a final detour, steering Hannah down a deserted street flanked by tiny shops. One store in particular caught her eye—an old-fashioned, dusty little bookstore, its shelves as history-steeped as their own, warm light spilling through the windows. "Do you want to have a look?" Sonia asked, noticing the way Hannah lingered on the bookstore.

But it felt like I was fading away. I noticed my body becoming transparent, and I could see the road to the afterlife, lined with flowers. At the other end of that road, a little girl with pigtails seemed to be calling out to me, "Mom." My body started drifting uncontrollably toward the light, and behind me, I heard Zac screaming desperately. I did not want to turn back. I never owed Zac anything. But love could make people lose their way. I loved Zac for so many years.