Carter's Treasures🔊

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of New York, hidden amongst the towering skyscrapers and the relentless rush of life, stood an old, mottled bookstore - Carter's. Owned by an elderly gentleman, Mr. Harry Carter, the store was a refuge for some, and a reminder of a forgotten era for others.

Mr. Carter was a short, stout man with a glimmer in his blue eyes and a head full of white hair. He knew the store like the back of his hand, each worn-out parchment was a close ally. He loved the quietness that his bookstore offered, the comforting smell of old books and the whispered stories that swirled in the air.

Just opposite Carter's bookstore was a modern coffee shop, 'Cuppacino Chic'. Every morning, an industrious woman in her late twenties, Lisa, would hustle to keep up with the rush. Being a modern-day woman, she was technology-oriented, loved the new age, yet found comfort in her grandma's LP records and preferred spying on Carter's bookstore over browsing through her smartphone.

The little bookstore intrigued Lisa. The old-world charm of the place was inviting. She envied Mr. Carter's silent tranquility amongst his books. She was mystified by the fact that Mr. Carter, in all his old age, never failed to open his store every day.

One rainy afternoon, a sudden power cut at 'Cuppacino Chic' resulted in Lisa’s unexpected visit to Carter's bookstore. It was the smell that she loved the most. It was musty and old, and it struck a chord. Mr. Carter saw Lisa enter and gave a polite nod. Lisa started roaming around, running her fingers over the worn-out spines of the books, smiling at the marginal notes. She picked up 'Great Expectations' and nearly screamed out of excitement. It was a first edition.

Lisa's fascination thrilled Mr. Carter. He explained, 'My father started this store, Lisa. I took over after. I do not have an heir. I'll probably donate these treasures to a library.' Lisa suggested an online platform for the books, to which Mr. Carter respectably disagreed, saying, 'These books need homes, not some click shopping.'

It became a ritual for Lisa to visit the bookstore during her breaks, exploring, listening to Mr. Carter's stories, and falling in love with the 'old world'. During one of her visits, Mr. Carter had a heart attack. Lisa, in her swift thinking, was able to get him to the hospital on time.

After a couple of days, Lisa visited Mr. Carter in the hospital. He was recovering and in his weak voice, he said to Lisa, 'I have watched you across the street. You, young lady, have a charm for the old world. I see myself in you. I want to leave my treasures to a deserving person and I believe you are that person.'

Lisa was taken aback but saw the resolve in Mr. Carter's eyes. She accepted Mr. Carter's generous offer and gave promise to continue running the bookstore her way, blending the old world charm and the new digital wave. Years passed, Lisa seamlessly blended the classic and contemporary. Carter’s bookstore was transformed into a hub where book lovers could buy original, unique books online or relax in-store, giving new homes to Mr. Carter’s treasures.