I know it's crazy to still come here; she'll never come back. I know she is happier anyway, still here I am. Haven't been back to my hometown for more than a few days since college, only came back for Christmas breaks. Once I graduated I tried not to look back. Still, any time I’m in town I always end up here, where it all began.

Walking through the abandoned factory housing gave me the same feeling as it always had; the excitement and anticipation I felt as a kid came rushing back. Even then it had been out of bounds for kids in town, parents petitioned every year for it to be torn down, but that never happened. Kids kept sneaking in. The little houses watched forlornly as I passed, empty as always. We used to explore them when I was little, but they weren't what I was here for now. I walked past them to the store the factory had kept for its workers, somewhere they could use credit instead of cash for the simple everyday items. The factory shut down in the forties. When all the families left, there was no need for the store, so it shut down. The items that weren't taken by the owners, or looted by kids over the years, still lined the shelves.

Even though I knew what had happened, the store still seemed to hold mystery. Neighborhood kids must still come poking around, footprints were clear in the dust. Through the main room, I went to the smaller back room behind the counter. I didn't expect anything; this was just where I came to feel close to Hailey. At first I thought it was nothing, some kid’s book left behind in a rush, but when I squatted down and picked the book up, a piece of paper drifted to the floor. Sitting down, I set the book on my lap and picked up the paper, unfolding it carefully. I recognized Hailey’s writing immediately; perfect and girly, with loops all over. I read the note slowly, wanting to savor her words.

Craig,

I don't know if this book will find you, but I have a feeling it will.

I know you, and I'd bet money you can't stay away from the store

can you? See, told you! Anyway, I knew this would get to you, I had

it enchanted so you were the only one who could find it, can't have

everyone knowing right? Now I want you to read the book before

you finish this note, okay? Craig I mean it.....

I rolled my eyes smiling, she knew me, I had to give her that. I looked at the book in my hand considering what to do next. I stay here, but it’s getting dark and even at twenty-six I’m not all that fond of being out alone after dark. So standing up, I slid the note, half read as ordered, back into the book. The book barely fit in my jacket pocket, but I shoved it in. Back outside, the sun is just beginning to set lighting my way back through the town. I slid through the old fence, back into the real world. It’s only a short walk back to the motel room.

The town’s almost deserted in the early winter twilight, it was dinnertime and most of the good citizens of Walnut Grove were sitting down to a nice family dinner. I opted for a takeout pizza, black olive and feta, a hometown favorite, and headed back to the motel. Once in the room, I set the pizza and book out on the small table and after my first bite of pizza opened the book.