the door of the shop jingles as you enter.
a small bell chimes, welcoming you in.
the red brick walls echo back warmth, chasing away the harshness of the winter rain streaming down the windows.
the grind of the espresso machine projects a comforting hum as the smell of strong coffee fills the store.
steaming mugs of tea are sipped by those too enthralled by their paperbacks to notice anything else.
bookshelves, each packed until they can hold no more, tower to the ceiling.
the faded carpet muffles your footsteps as you find a quiet corner, undisturbed by the worries of the world.
the rustle of pages fills your ears as you run your hand along the rows of books.
your touch lingers on the cover of one.
worn couches swallow you in comfort as you settle in, cradling the new read in your hands.