I can basically do anything if I put a thought into it. I can dance, do sports, play instruments, and play games. But sadly, no matter what I do, I can’t excel in any of it. I’m not bad at it, but I’m not good at it either.

I lack talent in everything.

Time flew and I had to accept the fact that no matter what I do, no matter how hard I work for it, I will only stay at that mediocre level. 
Yes, not all the time hard work pays off, which is true for me. In the past, I really despise myself for the lack of any talent. I wouldn’t be so bitter if I have a talent for singing or dancing at the least. But no matter how I sang the song, it always turned out plain and nothing special. Similar with dancing, I danced in the beat like others did but somehow they decided I wasn’t cool enough to join their so called circle and thought it was stupid.

Yeah, stupid people thinking they were cool themselves, which they are.
So stupid of me.

However, that was all in the past. I’m turning twenty three tomorrow and it’s childish to still have those silly thoughts so I left it in the past. As you can see, I took the hobby of writing. Writing down what I see, my thoughts about it, some random things, stories I can think about, and anything that might interest me.

Some would say that my hobby is too early for my age and I should do it if I’m older and have nothing to do anymore.

Screw them. I’ll do anything that I want. It’s not like I don’t have anything better to do and aside from my work, there’s not much to do anyway so I write. It’s been going on for almost a year now and I’m running out of pages. Now that I mentioned it, did I say that tomorrow is my birthday?

Ah, I still remembered the time where I turned 22 last year. I made a promise to myself that I will jot down everything that is happening around me starting that moment.

Of course, I don’t want to re-write everything here. Not because I don’t want to recall those embarrassing moments of my past year!

Anyway, tomorrow is a new episode in my life so I should move on and forget the past. A new chapter of my life will begin so I need to buy another notebook to write it all down. Maybe a binder would be good, no?

***

So I went out to buy a new notebook or a binder of sorts so I can just refill it if it ran out of leaf. Right.

I went to a nearest bookstore which is called National Bookshop. Yeah, very original. I went inside and a short lady greeted me on how good the afternoon is. She was brimming with smiles so I felt I was obligated to smile back, so I did. I asked her if they have any Note Binders available. She showed me some of their products in different sizes but somehow I didn’t like the designs and was looking for something that will practically suit my royal taste. And I didn’t notice I was thinking aloud so I told her I was talking to myself.

I left the store. Again, I searched for bookstores close  by and found two more shops just five blocks from each other but then again they doesn’t have what I was looking for. I was going to give up searching for today since it was getting late when I stumbled into an old bookshop. There’s no huge bookstore sign on top of it, just a four to five feet sign board standing in the left side of the old grating green door saying:

We sell:

Old Books and articles
Notebooks
Journals
Dictionaries
Etc.

I was already in front of it so it’s fine if I take a look and ask around for the last time. At first, I was hesitant to enter because the door is basically screaming that she is going to break any moment without notice. So I slowly opened the door and a very audible creaking resounded. I went in and slowly closed the door behind me.

This time no one greeted me like the first three stores I visited earlier. What welcomed me was the smell of dusty old books and the antique atmosphere of the entire shop. The entire shop felt small because of the bookshelves on the wall and the scattered books under it. Added by the packed tables and chairs, it gave me a feeling I cannot explain. In the center was a swirling flight of stairs thrice a normal person’s height with a few piles of books which comes in different sizes and colors. Some scattered around each steps. I was caught up in the antique scenery that I forgot why I came in for.

I looked for the counter and there I saw an old man maybe in his late 60s watching me with interest.

“It’s been quite a while since the last time I have a customer here. What can I do for you, young man?”, he said with a somewhat nostalgic and excited tone.

The old man has a mysterious atmosphere around him. I just assumed that maybe because in my point of view he knew a lot of things in life that I do not know yet. Not because he was old and experience a lot of things in life, but because of the stacks of books around him that was piled in random yet towering order. Did he read all those books? I can only wonder.

I went to the point and asked him if he has some note binders available. I wasn’t really expecting new ones since it was an antique book shop. The old man smiled and pointed me to the next floor east shelves. So I asked permission before going up the staircase before excusing myself.

As I gone up the stairs, I glanced at the kind of books scattered on the steps and saw some interesting titles like “Art of Crafting”, “The Girl who leapt through time”, “So you want to be an Engineer?”, “So you want to be a Wizard?”, and some related to history and such.

I made a mental note to try picking some of these books later and maybe learn something. Of course I’m noting it here in my notes or rather my diary. 

*I’m going to pick some interesting books here in my next visit and of course read it.

After a dozen or more careful steps, I arrived at the second floor. Surprisingly, I wasn’t surprised at all at the arrangement of books here. It was the same view in the first floor. The only difference is that there are fewer books here and there are a lot of old scrolls, old notebooks, some half-opened boxes, and a lot of school and office supplies which are rather old but still usable.

I went to the eastern shelves as per instruction and saw a bunch of old notebooks, notebinders, some sort of diaries, journals, and some books. I rummaged through the shelves, checking to see if there something that might interest me. Some of the notebooks here were half full, some with interesting doodles in it that I don’t know if it was written by a kid or not.

After half an hour of delving, I found something interesting. There’s something about it that caught my attention. It was a notebinder of sorts because of its size and the design but when i inspected it inside I realized it’s not refillable. So basically it’s not a notebinder, just a big notebook maybe 12 inches wide and 13 inches long or so. It was covered with fine black leatherette and the pages were stitch binded which made it sturdier. And luckily, there wasn’t anything written inside it so I decided that this will be my new diary starting tomorrow!

I checked the time, it was almost 6 PM so I hurried down the counter to pay for the notebook.

The old man smiled when he saw me.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

I nodded and gave him the notebook.

“You found something very valuable here young man.”, he uttered while letting a small chuckle. “But I won’t sell this to you.”

“What?”, I asked, confused by the old man’s words.

“I’m not finished yet.”, the old man added. “I just want you to write your name here.”

He picked up a black pen under his desk and told me it also comes with a pen. He opened the notebook and showed me where to write.
 

This notebook belongs to:

I don’t remember something like this was written here before or maybe I just missed it. I brushed the thought and wrote my name on it.

This notebook belongs to:
Klein Wright

I closed the notebook and asked the old man how much it was.

“I told you I won’t sell it to you. I’ll give it to you as a gift but promise me you’ll come back and visit me sometimes.”, the old man said with a humble smile.

I asked him why he’s giving it just like that and received nothing in reply. So I just gave my thanks and promised I’ll visit him next time.

I left the store with a satisfied expression because I found what I was looking for but felt a little guilty for receiving it for free. I made a mental note to pay the old man a visit sometime and maybe bring some finger foods.

I arrived at my apartment at 7:30 PM. I made dinner for myself and had my fill. After washing the dishes, I made sure that every nook and cranny was clean before going to my bedroom. I didn’t forgot to take a hot shower too because I can’t sleep if haven’t taken one.

I took the notebook out of my bag and jumped into my bed. I lie down, holding it high with both hands under the bright fluorescent light which casted a shadow on my face.

“Tomorrow, a new chapter of my life will be recorded in your pages.”

I brought it a little closer to my face and flipped its cover but I noticed a slight change which shocked my whole system.

This notebook belongs to:
Klein Wright
Bound by body, mind, and soul.

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This notebook belongs to:
Klein Wright
Bound by body, mind, and soul.
 
The last line that wasn’t present when I wrote my name earlier baffled me to the core. It says I was bound by body, mind, and soul. To think that I will be bounded into this notebook in body, mind, soul is preposterous! It’s scary! And how can such a harmless thing do such a thing? Unless it’s possessed by an evil spirit!
 
I heard some things about evil spirits possessing dolls or toys but I haven’t heard anything possessing a notebook. And I don’t really believe in such things which are really weird!
 
I thought I was just imagining things so I shut the notebook and opened it again hoping that I was really just hallucinating. And AHH! It’s still there!
 
I tried to ignore it and turned to the next page. Again, something weird happened.
 
All of a sudden, every page suddenly turned pitch black. I was shocked and I unconsciously dropped it jumping away from my bed. I can hear my heart thumping like crazy and felt my sweat started to trickle on my every pores.
 
I saw the notebook suddenly floated in mid air. The pitch black pages started to flip rapidly until the last page. After a short moment, it started to glow in pure whiteness, flipping the pages back and replacing the dark pages into its opposite hue.
 
I was at least two meters away from my bed so I can clearly see what’s been unfolding in front of me.
 
The white glow slowly faded after back tracking the pages and stopped in the first page where my name was written as if confirming something.
 
It flipped once again in the second page. Pitch black liquid started to come out of the notebook and swirled like a mini cyclone on top of it and poured itself on the page. Weird symbols and words started to form in that same page, filling it.
 
It finally stopped. The notebook suddenly shut itself and a gush of force erupted from it pushing me three meters back. I tried to balance and shield myself in reflex so I won’t hit the wall.
 
The notebook fell into my bed and I sighed in relief to find that there’s nothing dangerous happened. But my room was in complete mess that made me heave another sigh.
 
I can’t believe what happened. I must say, ghost really do exist! I don’t know if I should feel fear or anything. What I was feeling right now was pure curiosity mixed with unexplainable excitement.
 
I willed myself to go and pick up the notebook. I did. I was expecting another bizarre thing to happen but there was not.
 
My hands were trembling in excitement but I still tried opening the notebook but with all caution. 
 
My name was still written in the first page without changes. What I was curious about is the second page, to see what its actual contents. So I flipped it in the next page without second thoughts.
 
What came into view is an almost empty page with tiny passage at the bottom of the page. Again, I was a little shocked. Where the hell did those symbols I saw earlier have gone to??
 
But with all the weird events that has happened just a while ago, I’m slowly getting used to it. So if there’ll be more odd things happening later, I hope I won’t be too shocked.
 
I tried to read what was written at the bottom of the page. Fortunately, it was written in my language so it wasn’t that hard to read it despite of its tiny prints.
 



To complete the pact,
One must place their palm on the empty space above.
And say, I accept the Word.
Only remove your palm when the pact is completed.



It was talking about a pact of some sort but I don’t have any clue what it actually means.
 
To whom or to what did I made a pact with?
 
What in the actual jedi this pact is?
 
I tried turning to the next page to see if there are more things written on it and there my questions were answered like I wished it.
 
Are you doing this on purpose huh? Notebook?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Word
 
You, the choosen one.
 
Your words will change reality.
The very fiber of it.
Your thoughts will take form.
Creating wonders from nothing.
 
Your ideas will change the world.
And other worlds in this vast universes.
 
The notebook is a symbol of actuality.
How to use it, you will discover in your own.
The pen is your imagination.
Your weapon.
You will put everything into words.
And bend reality itself.
 
You are bound by body, mind, and soul.
You cannot escape.
There is only one path.
 
Accept the pact, or be banished from reality.
This may be a curse.
This may be a blessing.
Either way, You must go.
Go and fulfill your purpose.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
As I read each line, I felt like the air around me was vibrating creating ripples of waves that distorts my surroundings. After reading the Word, I looked around but the vibrations were gone.
 
I don’t like the serious air this Word gives. From what I understood from the Word, it basically gives the chosen one or whoever it was referring to, a power to change reality – everything.
 
If other people will read this, maybe they’ll ignore this and take it as a joke. But others with wild curiosity will take this in a whole new level of craziness. And if it’s proven true, I can only imagine what will happen next.
 
But what made me frown is that, I don’t have any other choice but to accept the said pact! Or else I will be banished in existence. And I don’t even want to try that!
 
I turned back one page.
 
I don’t really have a choice so I readied myself.
 
I placed my right palm on the empty space and said,
 
I accept the Word.
 
A blinding light enveloped my palm as I covered my eyes in reflex. I felt my energy being sucked but I didn’t dare removing my hand on it. I felt dizzy from the constant draining of my energy. It lasted for almost a minute. The air around the notebook suddenly vibrated and at the same time a burning sensation stroked my palm tracing it. After a few seconds, the bright light disappeared which probably means the pact has been completed.
 

I tried to remove my hands on the notebook, but my consciousness faded away putting me in a deep slumber.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

It is my 23rd birthday.
 
I woke up still feeling a little bit lightheaded. Both of my hands were holding the notebook and the pen. As I was pondering about what happened last night, a rush of scenes flashed rapidly through my mind refreshing everything that took place. I felt a slight stinging sensation in my head on the process, bringing me back in reality.
 
Now, I remembered passing out after accepting the pact. I presumed it was due to the notebook absorbing my energy which obviously my body can’t keep up with. Though I’m still thankful it wasn’t more than that.
 
Everything happened so fast. There are questions I wanted answers to. All that I know is that I have to accept what’s been given to me, no other choices. The biggest question now is how do I use these two objects in front of me and for what should I use it for?
 
I checked the notebook on impulse and I saw a very faint mark of my palm on the empty space before, as if it was outlined by some ink. Next page was The Word and the next ones were blank. I don’t know what to do with it so for now I’m putting it aside or thinking back, I should probably go back to that antique store and get some answers from the old man.
 
I got out from bed and looked around me. Everything is a mess! My books, paper, my favorite shirt, all scattered around. I checked the time, it was 7:46 AM and I realized I’m going to be really late at work!
 
GAHH! I hate Mondays!
 
I quickly change to my work clothes which consist of a normal suit and tie and decided to clean this mess later after work. My stomach is grumbling so I’ll just grab something in the convenience store on my way to work!
I put the pen and notebook to my sling bag and rushed to the door.
 
***

I’ll use this remaining page of this diary because I can’t write on that weird notebook. Who knows what will happen if I did. I will just have to buy another notebook for my new diary.
 
So there wasn’t really anything important to share about what happened at work aside from my boss reprimanding me about being late, again. And I can’t write in my diary at work, you know. My ears are full already; I don’t want my boss to extend his lecture for another hour or so.
 
For the second time, I’m here in front of the old bookstore where I got this weird notebook. I have to try and get some answers from the old man.
 
The door didn’t make much noise when I entered compared yesterday. Did he fix it? I ignored the thought as soon as I saw the old man in the counter.
 
“Good Afternoon.”, I greeted him this time, thinking that I forgot to greet him when I entered the shop yesterday. I don’t want him to think that I don’t have any respect for the elderly.
 
“Oh, hello! Same to you, young man.”, he greeted me back with all smiles. “I was expecting you would come back but not this soon? Did you like my gift?”
 
“About that… What in the world is this thing?!”, I somewhat exclaimed not knowing how I sounded or looked like. I just really wanted to know what the heck these things are. My curiosity is killing me!
 
“Ah… The truth young man is, I don’t know much about that pen and notebook. But what I’m sure is, that’s no ordinary item.”, the old man emphasizes. “What I know is you can’t write anything on that notebook without using that black pen.”
 
More questions hit me endlessly.
 
“I know it’s not ordinary and I didn’t try writing on it yet.”, Yes, yes, because my instinct tells me not to. “But how did you acquire such an item?”
 
“An old friend gave it to me.”
 
I saw the old man paused, the looks on his face tells me he was reliving something in the past. I was going to ask him who this old friend of his is but-
 
“I... still remember what he said that time. My friend, this pen and notebook is very important. When the time comes, it will choose it owner. Until then, I want you to keep this. I can’t use this as I am not worthy for its power. So you must wait, we must wait…”
 
So it chose me?, I thought to myself. The old man didn’t tell me any other things about the two items because it was just given to him to keep it. His old friend did not give any other information about it.
 
 Too bad. So I left the store, thanking the old man for that very small info.
 
I bought a Notebinder in the next bookshop on my way to my apartment so I can continue writing what is happening here, right? At the same time, I grabbed a pre-cooked dinner in the nearby convenience store.
 
I made up my mind. I’m already bound to these items so I won’t know what trouble I delve myself into unless I try and test it. So I hurried home.
 
I heated my dinner first and ate it. It’s not advisable to go into battle on an empty stomach so… I just want to say it. Ha~
 
Obviously, I’m so excited. Though I know this is dangerously dangerous but still I can’t help myself for being so curious.
 
I took out MY pen and notebook. It’s already mine because I’m bound to it. I placed in my study desk and turned it till the first blank page.
 
As I gaze on the blank page, surprisingly my mind is blank too! Yes, I don’t know what to write. Then I remembered the Word on the previous page so I turned it back one page.
 
It said, Your thoughts will take form. So does this mean… Yes, self-explanatory.
 
What if I will it to create a manual on how to use this thing? I tried directing my thoughts into the notebook but nothing happened. I wished for food, guns, money, money, mon… still nothing happened.
 
Next, I tried writing what I thought of. I took the black pen and wrote “Money”.
 
The word started to deform and remove itself from the page turning into a tiny droplet of ink. In just a fraction of second, it splattered itself back into the page forming a single character which I couldn’t understand. Then a small sphere of swirling wind started to form on top of me. One second, a gold coin materialized inside it and slowly descended to my hands.
 
Shocked wrapped my face. “No way!”
 
Just to confirm my suspicions, I wrote “Money” again. But this time I was thinking of another thing. The same process occurred but a different character was formed in the page. Then a silver coin was created out of nothing. My guess was right. The first time I wrote the word “Money”, I thought about gold and there it happened and the next I thought about silver. Again, with copper.
 
This means that whatever I write in the notebook doesn’t necessarily mean that what it create is only limited to that. It all depends on what I thought of! And I have to take note of this!
 
I looked around me and saw all of my things in a mess. So I tried experimenting.
 
I wrote the word “Organize” and thought about cleaning and arranging my room. The word I wrote deformed once again and separated itself from the page, forming a droplet and pour itself back forming a new character.
A gentle wind emanated from the notebook, spreading throughout my bedroom. 

My eyes gaped in astonishment when I saw my books, clothes, and everything that was scattered in my room started to move. The books, papers, and pens started to rearrange themselves very orderly, invisible hands folded my clothes neatly and at the same time putting it back to their proper cabinets. My bed sheets and pillows all are in its place and trashes were segregated to its proper bins.
 
I watched in shock as this magical scene unfolds in front of me.
 

Only a couple of minutes have passed and my room was squeaky clean without a speck of dust. Excitement filled me, thinking about all the possibilities this power can do.

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