The Book


What appeared to be a leather-bound cover of the book opened.

Even though there was no breeze, the pages flicked over, back and forth by themselves, before stopping at a certain page. The top corner was folded down, covering some of the text that was written at the top. The number 16 was clearly visible.

On the page was an illustration of a window in an old stone wall, the window surrounded by ivy. Inside the window, a man’s face appeared… a strangely familiar face; he opened his mouth and said, in my mind, “Not yet”.

The book slammed shut.

31 responses to “The Book”

  1. Soma Mukherjee avatar

    Oh you always leave us with( beautiful interesting) snippets…..i want that book
    absolutely loved it.

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Thanks, Soma… it’s a good book!

      Like

  2. Andra Watkins avatar

    In the home stretch, this is what my book is saying to me right now, Tom. I can totally relate.

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Andra, my other book, the one I’m meant to be starting, is saying “Get a move on!”… they never give you a moment’s peace, do they? 😉

      Like

      1. Andra Watkins avatar

        I start querying with my novel April 1, and I’m already researching a sequel……so, no.

        Like

        1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

          It’s all fun though… I surmise! 🙂

          Like

  3. prenin avatar

    In the Library of the Unseen University is a strange place.

    There the books are chained to the shelves, not for their protection, but for yours… 🙂

    Good snippet Tom! 🙂

    God Bless!

    Prenin.

    Like

    1. Visionkeeper avatar
      Visionkeeper

      Is that a real place Prenin??? Greetings btw…Enjoy seeing you here everyday…And all the others as well 🙂 VK

      Like

    2. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      I’ve heard of that place, Prenin. Or possibly the books…
      Thank you also, Prenin!

      Like

  4. Visionkeeper avatar
    Visionkeeper

    I hope you think deeply about writing T….The fact I feel exasperated at the end of your brief posts (nicely exasperated btw) that should tell you you have a true gift of drawing readers into your stories. Anytime someone wants to keep reading is a very good things much like when people feel sad when the book is over and they must leave those characters behind. It means you have done your job well T….Think about it 🙂 Maybe that book has some new recipes for laboratory concoctions? Blessings….VK

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      I’m pleased that you are drawn into my writing, VK, and I am sorry to leave you with a feeling of exasperation, good or not! And thank you for your positive words.
      I may try to get my book started very soon… I’ve been threatening for some time. I may concentrate on short stories to start off with… 😉 😀

      Like

  5. Deb avatar

    Oh, come on now…I could have read more on this one! 🙂 🙂
    Have a great week, my friend! 🙂
    xx

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Ah, sorry Deb.
      Mwahahaha (I have no idea where that evil laugh keeps coming from…)
      Oh, have a great week yourself, Deb! 😀

      Like

  6. aFrankAngle avatar

    Possibly at death’s door, but only to be thrown back into the living world.

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Now there’s a different angle, Frank… if you’ll pardon the pun! 😉

      Like

  7. Let's CUT the Crap! avatar

    I knew it! There is magic at work here. The question is: is it of good, or evil?

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Or another kind of magic, Tess…
      I shall say no more, right at this moment in time… 😉

      Like

  8. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

    Tom you have so much talent in your short writings you should really consider writing a book.. really.. But one thing that is a pet dislike.. is dog-eared corners on books.. LOL.. books to me a precious things to be loved and cherished.. .. And number 16 is a good number… I used to live at that house number many years past.. 🙂

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Hi Sue, and thanks. I will get my book started… I will!
      I know what you mean about those tatty old books that fall apart when you look at them! This one was making a point, I think.
      I like 16 as well, but I’m not sure as to why…

      Like

  9. jennygoth666 avatar

    love the book just called in like you said tom hope you are well xjen

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Thanks, Jen… I’m fine – and nice to see you – you’re always welcome!
      I hope you’re doing well as well!

      Like

  10. jennygoth666 avatar

    really poorly at moment tom but hopefully sorted soon big hugs jen

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Ah, sorry to hear that Jen… I hope you’re feeling better very soon!

      Like

  11. Visionkeeper avatar
    Visionkeeper

    Number 4 on this one?

    Like

  12. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

    A revelation and oh I forgot the number Tom

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      A revelation is a 3, Sue.
      Vote registered, thank you!

      Like

  13. penpusherpen avatar

    hmmmm, thinking cap on… no 3/ methinks… xx

    Like

    1. Tom (Aquatom1968) avatar

      Vote registered, thank you!

      Like

  14. shreejacob avatar

    Brilliant!! 😀 (really!)

    Like

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thank you! 🙂

      Like

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