A Book
I don't know how many times I've read it.
Every word.
I don't know how many times I've stared at them.
Bound within the cover, absorbed into the dry paper. The writing is clear, inked in black.
It's obvious that every book seen by everyone yet ignored by most is a source of human progress.
Yet strangely, people aren't interested in such an extraordinary thing.
"Experience is the best teacher.....I agree."
There's no such thing as absolute right or wrong. That saying—"experience is the best teacher"
feels true for some, but in reality, we also need someone to guide and teach us.
In the end, everything depends on your own decisions and actions.
That's what determines your goal and the path you'll choose to reach it.
"... what the writer wants to say is.... judge everything from multiple perspectives. Don't just see things from one side, okay?"
In the stillness of the library, Edward a 22-year-old young man was enjoying his solitude.
He came here because lately his parents had been constantly nagging him about his social life and personal issues.
"I know that even though I'm a loner, at least I can do whatever I want."
Once he finished venting, Edward closed the book and walked to the librarian's desk.
"Can I borrow this book?"
"...Edward... you're running away from your parents' nagging again, aren't you?"
The librarian's name was Oscar, an old man enjoying his time reading.
"There's a saying that listening to the sound of rain and watching the cloudy sky brings blessings when the sky clears. It means you should listen to your parents, even if you don't like it and feel annoyed."
"I've heard that saying at home so many times..."
"Really? Hohoho!"
Grandpa Oscar checked the book Edward wanted to borrow and wrote it down in the loan record.
It showed Edward had borrowed the same book at least four times.
Oscar was puzzled about why Edward kept reading it. But one thing was certain: he just wanted to escape his parents' nagging.
Once the book was recorded, Oscar handed it to Edward along with a bookmark indicating the return date.
"Don't forget to return it within a week—or you might end up cleaning the whole library all day."
"I think I'll return it tomorrow."
Oscar laughed and waved at Edward, waiting for him to return again.
.
.
.
.
On a street bustling with men in black suits and well-dressed women—it was a popular area.
Filled with snack shops, jewelry stores, and poets.
Vendors shouting to attract customers, nobles riding horse-drawn carriages, street lamps adorned with royal flags and floral patterns this was the charm of the Victorian era.
"Dear customer! Try our freshly made meat-stuffed bread!"
"...I'll take one..."
Edward reached into his pocket for his coin pouch. All he found was seven choppers...
"...Excuse me, sir merchant."
"Yes! Would you like to buy?"
"Um... before that, may I ask how much one meat-stuffed bread costs?"
"Oh! It's just six choppers, sir!"
"...Six..."
"Is something wrong, sir?"
The vendor looked worried as Edward stood there, confused and troubled.
Edward glanced behind him, the line had grown to six people.
Eventually, he handed over six choppers and said with a hint of regret
"One meat-stuffed bread, please."
.
.
.
.
Sitting on a park bench, the view before him was only buildings and horse-drawn carriages.
No sunset, no thick trees just buildings, crowds, and more carriages.
Today seemed like the perfect day to rest and clear the mind.
There was nothing to worry about. Everything in this world has been set by God
and maybe, a job would come to Edward on its own?
"I probably shouldn't have bought that bread..."
But honestly, he didn't regret it much. The bread was delicious.
Being able to sit calmly like this was a luxury in today's booming economy.
People in fine clothes were out looking for jobs—manual labor, factory work—anything to make money.
But for Edward, who relied more on his mind, those jobs simply didn't suit him.
"Hey! Move faster!"
"Yes, sir!"
"..."
That kind of work really drained both body and mind.
"Ah! Found you!"
"?"
A girl around 16 years old, wearing a green dress with a white blouse. Her long brown hair and matching brown eyes sparkled.
"Brother... what exactly are you doing here?"
"...Spending time waiting for dinner."
"Oh come on... wouldn't it be better if you went home and helped Mom with the cooking?"
"No way. If I go back now, she'll just lecture me again."
"Then I'll tell her that you're not even looking for a job and are just lazing around at the park!"
"No! Anything but that! If you tell Mom, I won't get dinner!"
"I don't care."
"Please..."
Edward stood up and gently held the girl's shoulders, looking at her seriously.
"If Dad finds out I'm not job hunting, he'll drag me to a construction site and make me work all day!"
"But isn't that better than not working at all?"
"Please understand... your brother's body can't handle that..."
"..."
"...Please... Iris..."
"...Fine."
Edward smiled and let go of her shoulders.
"But on one condition!"
"W-what is it?"
Edward panicked at the sound of "condition," afraid she'd ask for money or something difficult.
"When you get your first paycheck, buy me something cute!"
Edward shuddered at the condition, but if he didn't get dinner, that meant no life, no energy.
And without energy, he would end up at the construction site.
"Alright, alright.....I'll do it."
"Yay! I'm finally getting a new doll!"
With a sigh, Edward walked home alongside his sister to eat dinner.
As the streets dimmed and the sun began to set... a gentle breeze passed through.
The leaves trembled softly, coated with a thin layer of dust.
Stones that once glimmered now looked old and weary.
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To Be Continued...