JT EVERGREEN SHORT STORIES

Vivian Scott paused in front of The Olde Book Shoppe display window. She was an avid antique collector so, when she saw the antique bottles in the display window, she had to stop and inspect the offering. The longer she looked, the more inclined she was to go in and have an even closer look. Her wristwatch told her she had more than enough time to browse before her train departed for her home in Arlington Heights. The little bell over the front door jingled merrily as she entered and closed the door. It was then she heard someone shuffling across the floorboards in an adjacent room. The divider curtain parted and an elderly man entered. “Good afternoon, my dear.  How may I be of assistance?” “Good afternoon …?” “My name is Morris and this is my shop.” “Good afternoon, Morris. I noticed the antique bottles in your display window. May I have a closer look?” “Indeed you may.  The display window is unlocked … please help yourself.  There are more of these beaut...

My name is Dan Martin. Yesterday I experienced what appeared to be a normal event, a yard sale, until I realized how extraordinary it had been; the lingering effect of which shall influence the rest of my life. It was Saturday morning as I stepped out onto the front porch of my cottage with Charlie, my golden retriever, and took a deep breath. It was a perfect day for a long, leisurely puppy walk, and it was also a perfect day for a yard sale. It seemed as if everyone in the neighborhood was having one. As we strolled down Evergreen Avenue, we stopped first at the Clausing’s and chatted with Margaret and Myra Lee for a few moments. The items they had on display were hand-crafted and quite beautiful but were of little interest to me. I did take a sample, maybe two, of the chocolate chip cookies they offered to entice would-be buyers. After that, Charlie and I paused at a few more sales and spoke with neighbors briefly before continuing our walk. Most of the stuff being offere...

Beth Ann paused in front of The Olde Book Shoppe. The display of antique valentines caught her eye. She found them so lovely, she decided to go in for a closer look before catching her train home to Arlington Heights. She smiled as the little bell above the shop door tinkled its welcome. It reminded her of bygone days when friendly mom and pop stores were everywhere. The smell of old books, dust, and old wood engulfed her as she stepped farther into the shop.  It was an unexpected aroma but, surprisingly, a welcomed one. She paused when she heard someone shuffling across floorboards in a back room. A gentle voice welcomed her before she saw who it was. “Good afternoon, my dear. May I help you?” She turned and saw an elderly man peering at her over gold-rimmed glasses perched on the end of his nose. His crystal blue eyes and friendly smile made her feel welcomed. “I saw those lovely old Valentines in the front window. I thought I’d come in and browse before catching m...