vandalized.

I was browsing for books at the Fully Booked today. When I approached the cashier to ring my purchase, I heard a commotion coming from three of the salespersons. It turned out that one of their books put up for sale was vandalized.

I didn't see what was written, but I figured there were foul words and indecent illustrations involved. I felt sorry for the salespersons. I felt angry at the culprits.

Sometimes I just don't understand why some people do pranks like these. I could care less if the book was theirs. But for them to vandalize a book that is still on sale? That's too much.

I have been reading and taking care of books since I was 7. And for me to hear these kinds of incidents make me feel insulted. Violated. Assaulted. Frustrated, even.

I feel very protective of books. Especially if these books are my property. I take good care of them because I consider them as my prized possessions. I even cover some of them to preserve the quality.

Of course, technology is somehow part of the reason why these guys do not value books. I totally get where they come from. But how about this: didn't they keep in mind that if until now technology was still not developed then they would be reading books now? The same book that they have vandalized?

How foolish of them. And ungrateful.

It's just so sad to see that there are some people who don't value them. One day they will realize that they need books. For them to experience a whole new world other than what we are in today. For them to know much, much more about absolutely anything under the sun. For them to test their imaginative skills and put them to use.

Most importantly, for them to learn good manners.