Bookshelf, The 100% Perfect Town

Knock, knock.

“Hi. I’m Aging Well, and I just moved into the place next door. May I come in?”

“Yeah... I’m Stumbling Into Happiness.”

Stepping inside, Aging Well asked, “Do you go out a lot?

Eyes widening, Stumbling Into Happiness blurted, “No. I stumbled into this town where I’m a misfit, but I’m thinking of stepping out. The people who live here are too problematic.”

“Have you ever talked to them? Why don’t I throw a party at my house tomorrow night, and we might be able to find out why, if there is a reason, they’re the way they appear to be.”

Stumbling Into Happiness reluctantly consented, but nonetheless seemed skeptical.

To a relief, everyone showed up, but no one seemed to know each other, not even acquainted. Aging Well broke the silence by introducing himself first.

“Hi, I’m Aging Well, and I moved in yesterday to help out the landlord with her Positive Psychology lecture. What about you?”

“I’m Pride and Prejudice. I see you’re single. People say ‘a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife’. Are you? My little one isn’t taken yet.”

“Nonsense. You’re obviously stuck in 1813. Simplicity, simplicity! Stay simple, my friend, and you will encounter the true values of the world. By the way, I’m Walden.”

“You do know you’re speaking from the 1830s perspective, right? But I have to admit, simplicity is needed just as much in the 1960s, too. The Orient, the exotic… They can fool you. I’m M. Butterfly.”

“But you must not let go of your dream because of money matters. Embracing yourself from the fear of dying poor is not worth losing your career and causing your wife to suffer from morphine addiction.”

“Frankly, though Long Day’s Journey Into Night has a point, but don’t forget that the era of the American Dream is gone. I’m Gatsby, in case you haven’t already heard of me.”

“What’s your story?” Aging Well nudged the exceptionally quiet man next to him.

“Heart Of Darkness.”

“Umm… Do you have anything you want to share with us?”

“The world is a dark place. Imperialism ruined the world.”

Closing the door after seeing that everyone had left, Aging Well thought to himself, ‘Bookshelf literally equals diversity. There are experts of various eras and areas, from happiness to marriage, transcendentalism, addiction issues, dreams, and utter darkness…’ Whoa.

*Creative Writing based on Murakami's "On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl On Beautiful April Morning"