PHOTO PROMPT © Susan Rouchard
Growing Up With Books
Twelve-year-old Leon reverently lifted old Mr. Santos’ familiar books and packed them into boxes.
The volumes hadn’t change, but they seemed transfigured.
Every busybody in town had a guess about who would inherit the precious collection.
Leon knew, but stayed silent, waiting for the will.
He remembered Mr. Santos’ intelligent eyes glowing with pride.
“They’re yours. Your keys to the future.” His voice trembled as much as his hands. “I only wish I could listen in, hear what they tell you. It’s different for everyone.”
Leon’s heart swelled, as if he’d been knighted. He was a child no longer.
Many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! One photo, 100 words… Come join the fun!
Angela Writes... 
Love this, what a gift to pass on to someone. Very well done.
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Iain, thank you!
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“It’s different for everyone,” there is something magical about this sentence, as if the books hold individual secrets. Lovely idea.
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James, thank you! I’ve always been fascinated by how different people seem to notice totally different things, as if the books are telling different stories depending on who picks them up!
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Well done. I love the image of him being knighted by the gift of the books.
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Thank you so much! There is a certain responsibility that comes with knowledge.
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What a beautiful story, well written.
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Thank you so much!
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Like James, I liked the “different for everyone”
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I really think it is, and that fascinates me!
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Beautiful feeling in this. I like the way you’ve portrayed Leon – he’s a worthy recipient of such a treasure.
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Thank you! I think he is. I believe Leon will rise to the challenge when the torch is passed.
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nobody is more deserving than a grateful soul. the books are in good hands.
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I agree! And there are few things in life better than knowing your treasured possessions will end up with the right people in the end. Thank you for reading!
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What a wonderful passage:
“They’re yours. Your keys to the future.” His voice trembled as much as his hands. “I only wish I could listen in, hear what they tell you. It’s different for everyone.”
Mr. Santos chose well.
Good storytelling, Angela.
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Thank you so much! I was pretty excited when that passage showed up :). I agree; Leon is the correct choice.
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You’re very welcome, Angela.
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Beautiful!
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Dawn, thank you!
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A gift indeed!
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A good book is one of the best gifts in the world, and a whole library? It would be the greatest honor.
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Dear Angela
What a legacy for the man to pass on. He knew who would appreciate it. Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you! Yes, I think he chose wisely.
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interesting tale
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Thanks! And thank you for reading!
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