Two Men, A Bookshop, and A Ghost by Rae Iolene

Two Men, A Bookshop, and A Ghost

The best stories come from experience, Rachel. 

That’s what Grandpa would tell me

after reading my latest romp through vampire 

territories and fae lands.

But where’s the magic? I’d ask. The adventure?

His silver spectacles would look at me 

and all I’d see is a blue-eyed balding wizard. 

I could place the scene right now. Grandpa 

in my wizarding world selling business books 

on how best to pass as human. 

But even through his realism, I knew he was right.

There is something to be said about the mundane. 

Because there are two men in The Nook right now.

Brash and idiotic, using a public space as their 

office space, and I can’t help overhearing:

Wow, the new season of The Boys is out. 

I can’t wait to watch. 

The second man nods in agreement.

A debate ensues:

What are the best superhero movies?

Definitely not She-Hulk, the first declares.

The other laughs, Ha! 

Someone could tell me it’s the best show 

they’ve ever seen and I still wouldn’t watch it. 

His friend nods energetically and 

I worry his head will take off. I imagine 

a short fused airplane coasting between 

classics he’s never read.

It’s just a money maker, he says, That’s why it’s bad. 

And I snort under my breath because that’s 

not what he really means, and I’m waiting 

for it, and like a perfectly timed, “Action!,”

he whispers, It’s just they’re female, you know. It’s 

not realistic. But Scarlet Witch? Wanda?

She’s my favorite. 

His friend pounds the table. 

(Sir, you are in a bookshop.)

YES! AND SHE’S HOTTER THAN THE SUN.

(Jesus Christ.)

And that’s how you know it’s always men,

And that’s how we know it will always be men. 

When women, even superheros, 

are reduced to their looks, and how best 

they can meet the male gaze—

it’s never been about money. 

It’s only ever been about power.

(How dare She-Hulk be green and muscular, right?)

So, that’s how I know Grandpa was there.

I picture him leaning back, one arm 

resting on the table, winking at me.

Are you writing this down, Rachel?

Even though he’s been gone 13 years, 

he still finds ways to ask me. 

Reminding me:

The  best inspiration is found 

in daily moments,

as long as you know where to look. 

xx. Rae Iolene

12 April 2026