The Book of Doors
by Gareth Brown
Contents
The Quiet Death of Mr. Webber (3)
Overview
Older Cassie returns to Kellner Books at the precise moment Mr. Webber is meant to pass something to her younger self. She gives Mr. Webber a leather-bound notebook and silently instructs him to deliver it to the waiting younger Cassie, completing the loop.
Immediately afterward, Mr. Webber suffers a fatal chest pain, and Cassie comforts him through his final moments. The handoff succeeds, but it is sealed by Mr. Webber’s quiet death and Cassie’s grief.
Summary
In Kellner Books on the Upper East Side, Mr. Webber sits alone, thinking about his recent conversation with a younger Cassie and the moment when he is meant to give her the Book of Doors.
Older Cassie quietly emerges from the staff-room door and signals Mr. Webber not to draw attention, pointing out her younger self sitting in the front window. Mr. Webber is relieved to see her and notices she seems lighter than before.
Older Cassie hands Mr. Webber a small leather-bound notebook and indicates he must give it to her younger self. Mr. Webber understands, takes out his pen, and writes a careful note on the first page beneath existing lines of text, then closes the book.
As older Cassie watches her younger self, Mr. Webber senses sadness in her expression. Moments later, Mr. Webber is struck by sudden, blinding chest pain; older Cassie holds him as he loses consciousness and gives him a single kiss on the forehead as he dies.
Who Appears
- Mr. WebberKellner Books clerk; receives a notebook for younger Cassie, writes a note, then dies suddenly.
- Cassie (older)Returns via door, silently orchestrates the handoff, and comforts Mr. Webber as he dies.
- Cassie (younger)Seen waiting at the shop window, unaware, as the transfer is arranged.