Browsing through the Bookstore- Fiction

I love bookstores. My favorites are the used ones, where you find the most random and exciting books. I love the scrawls in the margins, the smells, the prices.

I was browsing through my favorite bookstore today, not looking for anything that specific, when I saw it. I couldn't believe such a book would be written let alone sold. I was offended, outraged even.

"How to be a Terrible Roommate"

I asked myself why anyone would ever need to know these things. Still, I was intrigued. I flipped to the table of contents briefly and noticed there were sections on snoring cycle, lack of hygiene, nakedness, excessive overnight guests, etc. It was awful. Simply awful.

To set out to put your innocent roommate through such hell is something that is unfathomable to me. Moving into a college dorm can be stressful enough as it is without having to deal with the uncomfortable, disturbing or grotesque dramas of a terrible roommate.

I was a staute in the bookstore. I couldn't just leave it there for someone to purchase and use for evil. What if someone bought it then became my roommate later in life? This "book" had to be stopped. I couldn't bring myself to purchase it though. And burning it, though effective, would probably prohibit be from coming back to the store I loved.

The only weapon I had was a pen. I crouched down on the ground next to the bookshelf and opened the front flap of the book. I wrote:

"If you want to buy this book call 242-0910. And I'll tell you at least 100 other things better worth your 7 dollars."

Feeling satisfied, I tucked the book behind a few others, and walked out of the store triumphantly. I smiled the smile of someone who had just done the world a justice. Because, trust me, I had.