True Grace

Taf walked on. The crowd continued shouting of persons wanting to sign up with the gym.

With no desired inclusion in the whole thing, he then made his way towards a book store, his original plan for the day.

Starring at the book store from the outside, it was pretty contrasting to its surrounding. Like a cottage in the woods, it gave off the feeling of warmth, cosy and comforting.

Soon Taf pushed open the old oak door. What greeted him inside was an elderly lady who seemed close to the end of her years. She drank a cup of tea while observing a few patrons selecting books from time to time.

While his curious eyes scanned the store, he saw a wide variety of books. There were seemingly books for all purposes.

Some publications provided information on cooking recipes, romance, history, and adventure on numerous shelves. It was rich with knowledge.

The elderly lady made her way over in his direction.  Because she had seen his curious gaze towards bookshelves. He seemed so small and wet behind the ear, just like her granddaughter.

During her time within the store, she had seen countless things and knew how to read her customers based on their expressions.

By this child's look of bewilderment, this was his first time. That being the case, perhaps there was a need for some guidance.

"Young one, you seem to be looking for something. Might this old one be of some help?"

She wore a kind smile that Taf found quite pleasing. Her smile reminded him of Mrs Ming, so his usual guard against strangers was slowly lifted.

Seeing his awkward pause, she chuckled as only a grandmother could before continuing,

"There are a variety of books which you can choose from here at my bookstore. Allow me to guide you on the process of proper selection.

I suggest something on the adventurous side of the world. Perhaps filled with intrigue that will open up your imagination to see the world in a new light." She then ended.

Seeing the warmth she showed, Taf smiled and responded,

" Yes, I am looking for something to read, senior. I have been curious about cultivation and adventures outside of the city. I would be truly grateful if you could honour me with your advice."

Seeing his politeness, the elderly lady's smile became even more sympathetic. He was pretty similar to that granddaughter of hers, whose mind was always fascinated with the outside world.

"Regarding information about cultivation, I am embarrassed to say there are minimal written materials in this store."

A disappointed look started to show on Tafari's face as he heard the reply. Seeing this, the elderly lady continued on by stating,

" I said minimal young one, not none. In fact, I might have something perfect for you."

With her response, Taf was now truly filled with glee. Yet he dared not stop the old woman as she divulged more information,

" In the back room of the store lies my archive. This is where the old and discarded reading material are kept; within there is a journal."

'A journal?!' Taf thought as this was uttered. Still, he figured there must be some significance as to why this was mentioned.

" This journal was written by an old friend of mine. It documented his life as a servant of a cultivator. He knew he was dying and wanted to pass on his life's information. So this  the journal was gifted to me."

Taf's intrigue was truly piqued as he heard the elderly lady's speech. Evidently, this held significant importance to her friend before his passing.

"He specifically stated that it should be given to one young that thirsted for information and had an adventurous mind. You seem to fit the build, don't you?"

She winked and pinched his little cheeks warmly.

"Unfortunately, there aren't that many with this craving for knowledge. It is a great sight to see that you are filled with the desire for knowledge. I like you and will do something for you."

The elderly woman then headed to the back of the store, which housed a small storage space. When she came back, there was a small brown book in her hands.

She looked at the old book that had caught dust with a sigh. With it, a face came to mind. An individual so kind, yet his eyes conveyed utter sadness. 

'Old friend, Dou Fang, I have fulfilled what you wished from me on that day.'

With a smile and a last squeeze of his chubby cheeks, she placed the book within Taf's hands.

"As this was a friend's request, this journal will be given to you freely. However, you must promise me to take care of it like you spent your whole fortune on it." She cautioned,

"It might not seem much, but sometimes these little things are worth more to a dying man than all the world's fortunes.

This journal of his life was his most prized possession and the proudest and most disappointing moments of his life."

Taf looked at the elderly lady, and a profound look appeared.

"This one knows and will honour that senior's life and journey; I promise to take the best of care of his work."

He bowed before vowing sincerely to the elderly lady.

The elder lady smiled as she saw his sincerity. Each time he spoke, Taf became even more likeable in her eyes.

"Then you are are indeed worthy of selection. This old one's surname is Grace." To provide a bit of closeness, she then told Taf her name.

"If you ever want to come back and open your mind to more knowledge, my store doors will always be open."

Taf bowed once more after receiving the journal uttering,

"I am Taf. Thank you, Senior Grace." 

Unedited Version

To be continued...