"People don't read anymore," said Mr. Kin’s long time colleague, Jason. "They just surf the Net for information. Whatever they need, it's there. Term papers, resignation letters, and nekkid pictures. They are all there for the taking." Despite his doubt about the longevity of books, Jason was here to support the opening of Mr. Kin's new investment.
     "Yes, but the value of reading is not in information but in the experience," said Mr. Kin. "It is the seeking of wisdom.The silent din of a library; the binding of a book; the turning of the pages. There are those that do still crave for that." He unlocked the front door. "You'll see.  The first person that walks through this door will be a young person craving for the written words. You will see..."
     "What's this talk about wisdom? Do people even use that word in this day and age? Everybody seeks their quote unquote wisdom in the latest technologies.  We have Playstation II, razor scooters, and DVD nowadays. Books cannot compete. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, though. I’ll check this out for myself," Jason’s voice continued in doubt as he leaned against the counter.
     "That is why I came to this country, Jason," said Mr. Kin, as he got behind the front counter ready to sell his books. "The freedom of speech. The freedom to know. The right to an education." He picked up a hardcover of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, which he had displayed on top of the counter, and pointed it at Jason. "This is why..."
     The bell above the front door rang as the first customer has finally entered the bookstore. It was an elder American woman of age. She looked worn from years of living in a city hard with technology as she folded her umbrella.  "Oh, hello, Mr. Kin!  You own this bookstore? It's raining cats and dogs out there."
     "That definitely will keep your young customers away," sneered Jason.
     "How are you today, Mrs. Fauster? Do you know that you are my first customer?" said Mr. Kin, not moved by Jason's remark.
     Mrs. Faulkner was amused. "Oh, really?  I feel so honored.I had no idea there was a bookstore in this part of town.  I usually take the underground train to Borders and you know how that can be. At least an hour trip and always crowded. It is worse when the trains are stuck underground. I love books but the young kids these days seem extremely rude. They never offer you their seat when none are available. They just close their eyes pretending to be asleep. But I know they don't care. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm rambling nonsense. How are you, Mr. Kin? When did you decide to open a bookstore?"
     "Oh, about a year ago when I retired. I was ready to quit the work force but not ready to quit my compassion for books.  And here..." Mr. Kin lifted his arms as if embracing the surroundings. "This is the results of my hard earn savings. Most will not think it's much. "He glanced over at Jason. Jason glanced back with a look of What ya want from me? "But I believe it is places like these where the adventures of life begins."
     "I applaud your ambitions, Mr. Kin. Now, the reason why I came in is that I am looking for a book on antique porcelain collections. I have this old porcelain dog that was given to me by my mother of late and I would like to know more about such things."
     "Must be talking about her husband," Jason whispered unable to hold back the opportunity to comment.
     A loud thunder boomed as a flash of lightning permeated through the window of the bookstore.