Sofie’s note read, “Go to Aisle M!”
Henri found the aisle where a brilliant red book stood out. It hummed as he pulled it from the shelf. Slowly, he opened the cover and flinched backward as the shelves dissolved. He found himself standing in the middle of a forest.
“You made it,” Sofie said, breathlessly.
Years passed in contented happiness until Henri startled awake with a yelp.
“Shh, keep quiet,” the librarian said, balancing a stack of books in her arms.
Was it just a dream?
Henri placed the book back on the shelf. He thought he heard it hum.
~~
This story is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. With the help of a photo prompt to inspire, we’re to write a 100-word story. The photo this week was taken by Penny Gadd.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit HERE.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
I’m guessing it wasn’t a dream
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No, not a dream but magic! Henri’s adventures are just beginning. =)
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Love the magical quality to this – a bit like Narnia 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and that it reminded you of Narnia. That makes me smile!
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He’ll need to come back tomorrow, open the book again and find out 🙂
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Certainly, lots of adventure waits for Henri. =)
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Some books are alive… your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to find that book…and when you do, listen to it’s song! Great writing. Loved the image you created!
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Thank you so much, what wonderful comments! =)
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Ooooh! Love it. I wonder if he’ll return to open that book?
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Hmm, I’m not sure how I missed your comment. I’m so happy you enjoyed the story. Henri will indeed return, the number of adventures he enjoys are countless. Thank you for commenting, Sascha! =)
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I love the idea of a humming book transporting someone to a magic forest. Great idea!
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I’m very glad you enjoyed the story! Thank you so much for letting me know. =)
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This was a great take!
How wonderful to find a “humming” book!
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Thanks so much, Dale. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. I hope to find one someday! =) You never know…
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No wonder books are dangerous! This would have never happened had he stuck to reading social media sites on his phone.
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Dangerous in a wonderful way. Too much of the other will drive you crazy. I’d rather read a magical book. =)
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…and that happened before he read it! Quite a book!
My story – Billy and me!
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So sorry for not responding until now. In temporary housing with no internet (or very little) the last couple of days. Just think what will happen when he returns and tries reading the book! Thanks, Keith! =)
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The true purpose of a book to transport your imagination into a different world. Loved this.
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No internet, so sorry for not responding until now. I love when a book does that! Thanks so much, James. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. =)
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Dear Brenda,
I love this imaginative tale. Reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and, also of a favorite episode of Star Trek the Next Generation where Captain Picard lives an entire lifetime when transported to a different world. Sorry about the run-on sentence. Again…well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Rochelle. Thank you for your encouragement as always. Sorry for the late response, no internet. I realize how impatient I am when I’m forced offline (haha).
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Oh, no internet is almost as bad as car trouble. I understand impatience. No worries. I’ve been late with my responses this past week, too. 😉
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Ah, the magic of books!
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Life would indeed be sad without the magic of books!! Thanks for commenting, Ann. With our temporary housing, we have very little to no internet so sorry for not responding until now. Have a lovely week ahead! =)
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Very magical!
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Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m very happy you enjoyed the story! =)
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The Neverending Story plays in my skull – ahh ahhh ahhh
Fun tale B!
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Thanks so much! That’s a really nice compliment, loved Neverending Story. =)
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Me too 😀!
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Ah, lovely whimsical take on the photo prompt, Brenda.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you so much, Susan, a very nice thing to say! =)
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The comments are interesting as this story evoked different memories for different people. My initial thought was of Rip VanWinkle and the Legend of Sleep Hollow. Great piece, Brenda.
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Those are great stories and I’m glad mine reminded you of them. Thanks so much, Russell, for the encouraging comment! =)
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magic or dream? he should try it once more to be sure. 🙂
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I’m sure he will. In fact, this is the beginning of a whole set of adventures for him. Thanks for commenting! =)
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They say theres a whole other life to be found in books. Great idea, Brenda.
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Thanks so much, Sandra. I certainly get lost in books and can’t imagine doing life without a good story or two in process. =)
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I enjoyed this,
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Thanks so much, Michael, I’m very glad you enjoyed it! =)
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A lovely idea – I like how ‘years passed’ but only a few moments in reality. I’d like some of that magic.
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You and me both! Thank you for your kind comment, Margaret. =)
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A good adventure for Henri. Will he try it again. I wouldn’t trust a book that hummed. I wonder if he’s the same age as when the adventure started. A good, well-written story, Margaret. 🙂 — Suzanne
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No problem, I don’t mind being called Margaret (what a nice name)!! =) Thank you for commenting. Henri returned to the library as if no time had passed, so he was the same age. I think the humming book is a little bit addictive and he’ll go back to it time and time again.
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Sorry, Brenda. I was looking at Margaret’s picture above my comment and made a mistake. Pardon my silly error.. 🙂 — Suzanne
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This plant is forcing a lot of people to dream. It must have some hypnotic property.
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I agree. It seems the plant takes us into the world of dreams and magic!
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I love stories about magic in books and libraries… reminds me both of Borges and the neverending story.
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Me too and thank you for the very nice comment! =)
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Wish your posts appeared in my reader! Loved this Brenda.
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Hmm, I wonder why they don’t? Thank you for reading and being a sweet encouraging friend in our blog world! =)
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Found one again recently Brenda, lovely surprise to find you there. Have a lovely weekend. X
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I’m happy about that. Hope you did the same! =)
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