He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Clearing his throat and straightening his bow tie, Zooey averted his eyes to the book on the table.
~
After their breakfast had been completed, Zooey and Lola stopped in the used bookstore. “Hello, Aaden,” Zooey said with something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Do you have any books for me?” The small shriveled man behind the counter nodded.
“This one came in just last week.” Aaden whispered. “Has your name all over it.” He offered the yellow book to Lola.
“You are certain this is it?” Lola breathed; for once, she was neither laughing nor smiling.
“Take a look at the illustrations.” Aaden prodded. Watching her open the book, Zooey jumped back as if bitten.
“It is your story, Lola.” Zooey said, still shaken. Even as he spoke, the words appeared on the page. “Good,” he whispered, appraising what was laft of the thick book. “You have plenty more pages left.” Handing it to her, he looked at his own book. Fewer than 100 pages left.
Lola ran her fingers over the title.