Chapter 21

It was cold. The rain was showering onto the concrete roads of the city of Kawaakari, as the wind blew across the street. The patters of the magnificent rain were striking to the umbrella I was holding. The green book which I called the star book was in the pocket of my black jacket, while my friends and I walked in the rain.

"It's so cold. Hurry up, guys." Paikek shivered while his hair was soaking wet, and he was keeping his hands in the pockets of his yellow jacket.

"We'll be there soon." I began walking faster even though the water was draining from my shoes.

After a few minutes, we reached in front of the brown wooden building which had some brick-made parts as well. It was the book store that we got books for each other.

"This is the only place to find information about the star book" I pushed open the door with my left hand, while my other hand hid the star book inside my pocket.

Once we entered the wooden building, I noticed that the book store seemed like it was darker than the last time we visited. Most of the lights were dimmed and windows were completely closed.

"Is it closed?" Bomyu looked around, noticing that nobody was inside.

"It can't be closed." Paikek's eyes narrowed as he began checking behind the shelves.

I walked next to a shelf which was covered by spider nets. Then I wiped off the net to get a clear view of the books on the shelf.

All of a sudden, I began hearing a clatter coming from the other side of the shelf. Consequently, I walked behind it to see what it was.

"Karu! We met again!" the old lady Mrs Marleigh grinned when I saw her behind the shelves. She was wearing a long old dress with flowers on it. However, the flowers were all black.

"Mrs Marleigh!!" I got surprised, and a little bit scared when I suddenly saw her face full of wrinkles.

"How do you want me to help you, darling?" Her voice cracked as she tied her ponytail. Her hair was whiter when compare to the last time we met her.

"We need to find our friend Yonsan but we don't know how." I explained the situation to her.

"And all we have is the star book." Seanyung intervened as he continued; "Karu, show her the book."

"Alright..." I murmured while I brought the book out from my pocket. The star symbol on its green cover was looking unique.

"This book is not for you to read." the old lady lowered her eye brows, after staring at the book I was holding.

"But there's already nothing in it." Seanyung asked, his eyes turned to left then to right. He looked confused as he put his hand at the back of his head.

"However..." Mrs Marleigh coughed, then added: "There is only one way to unlock the information inside the book..."

She spoke but suddenly a loud noise came from outside. It was like something made of glass got broken into pieces.

"Let's go, look." Bomyu's eyebrows rose as he rushed outside.

Consequently, Paikek and Seanyung ran behind him, hurriedly to see what was outside. On the other hand, I was shocked that they went outside while Mrs Marleigh was giving us some important information. I didn't know what to do because I wanted to know how the book worked.

"Karu!! You need to see this!" Paikek shouted from outside. And, I turned my face to the way to the bookshop's exit.

"If you go, you will not know about the book." Suddenly Mrs Marleigh put her hand on my shoulder, as she warned.