Belle lay awake for most of the night, trying to come up with a plan. She needed to let the village know the bookshop wasn’t abandoned. But the town wasn’t going to listen to her—she was only a child. The baker hardly listened when she ordered a loaf of bread.

She had to start with people who might listen to her, people her own age. The only problem was that right now, no one her age seemed interested in listening to her either. But she was determined to try.

The next day after school, Belle stayed in the schoolyard instead of going to the bookshop. She started with Claudette, Laurette, and Paulette. Belle told them about the amazing stories in the bookshop, but the triplets wouldn’t hear another word when they realized it was the “haunted” bookshop.

Next, Belle found Nicolas and Marian. She tried to tell them about the many fascinating books on history, politics, and government at Hugo’s, but they wouldn’t listen. They were too busy trying to convince everyone to sign their petitions.

Then Belle tried her classmates who were somersaulting down the hill. Juliet’s hair was full of twigs and leaves. She listened to what Belle had to say, but she wasn’t interested—she found books “boring.” Belle didn’t bother telling Thomas about the shop. She figured he would only tease her.

Morton sat under his tree. Belle approached him carefully and sat down. “Listen, Morton. I know you prefer being alone, but I have to tell you something. There’s an excellent bookshop in the village. The one that everyone thinks is haunted and abandoned. But it’s not. Any story you could dream of reading is there. Do you want to come see it with me?” Belle asked, ready for another rejection.

“Yes,” Morton answered.

Belle stared at him in shock. He didn’t seem like the type to tease. “You do?” she asked.

“That’s what I said,” Morton replied.

“Magnifique! Let’s go,” Belle said.

The two made their way through the village to the bookshop. As they walked, Belle explained how the shop was facing trouble. Before they went inside, she said, “We have to save it, Morton. Once you see it, you’ll understand.”

She opened the door and Morton looked around. “No ghosts,” he said.

“Not one ghost. Just books,” Belle said.

“Where are the plays?” Morton asked. He didn’t look very impressed.

“I’ll show you.” Belle led Morton to a shelf near the front of the store. Morton pulled a title from the shelf. Then he pulled another, then another, and another, until he had a stack in his arms up to the top of his head.

Belle helped him carry the stack over to a table. “You must really like plays,” she said.

Morton didn’t answer. He opened one of the plays and began to read.

Belle tapped her foot, waiting. She had expected Morton to say something about the shop. “So, it’s a great place, right?”

“Mm, yes,” Morton murmured.

“Any ideas on how to save it?”

“Belle.” Morton closed the play. “I feel I should be honest. I cannot spend my time planning with you to save this bookshop. I intend to be a famous actor.”

“A famous actor?” Belle asked.

“Yes, of the stage. I must focus on that,” Morton said.

“Why?” Belle asked.

“Because I enjoy drama,” Morton answered, shrugging his shoulders. He returned to his reading.

Belle buried her face in her hands. It was no use. Morton didn’t want to help her. And even if he did, she needed more help than one person could offer her.

And then it hit her. Drama? Belle could find drama.