Collection of my short stories

What Is A Book?

I really did not feel like going out. Especially not in the state I was, having an anxiety attack, being sick and in need of a shower. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes, I hated every word that was spoken around me on the subway and every look anybody would give me.
I wanted to put my hands together and use my non-existent avatar powers to blow all the people near me far, far away.

To stop my tears from embarrassing me and making my mom sad, I looked away from her and clenched my fists until my short nails pinched my skin. She had enough to worry about and I wouldn't let that weird feeling I got as soon as I left the house ruin the day for her.

We went into the mall. I was relieved to arrive there so quickly because that meant the way home would go by quickly as well. I hoped that I would be able to hold my shield up until then, so that nobody would have to see my tears while I would lock myself in to cry.

Everything annoyed me: The voices babbling about unnecessary things, the people with their curious yet judgemental gazes, the promising pictures and signs in every store. I walked faster and held my head down.

Finally we found the book store where we had ordered the movie. We went inside and I inhaled deeply to take in as much as I could get of the calming smell that suddenly surrounded me. I looked around and saw books in all colours and sizes. My eyes opened and brightened, I saw light again. I walked further into the store while my eyes hungrily tried to catch a glimpse of as many books as they could. I walked to a set of books and my hands immediately found their way to the backs of the ones laying there. I felt the story under the cover, desperate to get out as soon as possible to be explored once more. I felt the soft material on my fingers, sending positive signals to my head.
I walked to the English section and found an interesting book. Everything else was forgotten, this was all that mattered. I took it into my hands and wondered what I would find once I opened it. Even though I had only yet read the title, my heart already swelled with love for that little piece of world in my hands. I pressed it against my chest, determined not to let anything part us. When we walked out of the store I felt good, I had found new power in the story, no, the life I was about to explore.

Because that is what every book is:
It is a whole life, sometimes even a whole universe.