Whispers from the past

It was a gloomy day, Simon was strolling around the Manhattan's streets, his attention was drawn to an old bookstore as he passed he could smell the old book smell drifting into the street.

The bookstore was like a place from another time with its squeaky wooden flooring and shelves stacked up with old books. Simon’s grandfather, a soft-spoken and tender person, was on the sick side. To cheer him up, Simon thought of finding him an old novel, that his grandfather had talked about reading when he was a young man, All he remembered though it was by a Leslie something and about a saint - he decided it would be fun to hunt for this book.

He went into the bookstore, a bell at the door jingled, jingled on the door, “wow he thought tis really is another world”. The sales assistant - a cute nerdy girl with glasses falling off her nose - greeted him warmly. "Greetings sir. Can I help you today?"

He laughed by being addressed as 'sir', Simon grinned He responded, "I'm looking for an old book by Leslie something about a saint It’s meant for my grandad who hasn’t been well recently."

The assistant’s eyes sparkled. "Ah! 'The Saint in New York’. I think we have some old Saint volumes stashed somewhere."


Squeezing through the thin aisles packed with towering bookshelves containing all sorts of books they came to a sharp stop before a shelf covered in dust. “Here you might..you might find what your looking for,” she told him.

Simon slowly went through each title, carefully examining the old books worrying they could fall apart at any moment As he moved onto one particular book; a letter slid out from between its pages falling to the floor, he was excited with his discovery, he picked it up and started reading.

"To my sweetheart I pen this letter in the faint hope that it’ll reach you one fine day. Our mutual affection blossoms like a fragile flower within my heart's secret corners. Come meet me at the mentioned address beneath the moon lit sky where we can indulge in a harmonious dance of our spirits."

Simon found his heart racing. Who were the enigmatic lovebirds? He scrutinised the cover of the book, finding a name and address in faint handwriting. He felt a great excitement and he wondered if he could find the owner and return it, he purchased the book and he started his exploration through New York's streets.

The days became weeks, increasing Simon's anticipation. He interviewed random people, discovered tucked-away parts of the town, and even consulted an elderly librarian for guidance. Despite all these endeavours, clear answers remained hard to find, seeming as fleeting as whispers in the wind.

Finally on bright moonlit night, Simon found himself standing in front of an old brownstone house in the centre of Greenwich Village. He looked at the address on the letter and up to the warmly lit windows. Taking a deep breath, he slowly opened the door and ventured inside.

The air was heavy with memories and love. As Simon went around the snug rooms, he found an old dusty photo album intriguingly out on the side table. Inside he uncovered several faded photos and letters; each one spoke of love and optimism.

Buried within old pages, he uncovered a picture of a young lady. Her eyes shone with familiar warmth; her smile was that of his grandmother. Joy surrounded Simon as he pieced together the truth.

The romantic letter, the scribbled address, and New York journey— everything led to his family’s past. The one who wrote this letter was none other than his grandmother; a brave woman who risked everything for love.

With a lump in his throat, Simon went up to to his grandfather room, fondly holding the love letter and picture. Sharing his journey’s tales, tears of happiness moistened his grandfather's cheeks. In that emotional moment, the essence of love and unbreakable family bonds found permanency in their hearts forever.