“Rascally missing book!” I grumble, acknowledging that it’s my fault for bringing home a book from the enchantment library. A library with dim lighting cast by floating lights. The old book smell is intense, and the shelving is medieval in appearance. It’s an irresistible building. Regardless, it’s a wonder the book was on the shelf at all. A book that’s proud of its title—The Lost Book. It carries records of where to find lost items. The Lost Book is sought after, but rarely located. It’ll be centuries until someone finds it again. “Why did I set it down?”

By Shari Marshall – 2023

Written in response to Carrot Ranch Literary Community 99-word challenge: write a story about a lost book.