Making Room For An Outsider in the Library
I found a little corner in the back of the library. I don’t think anyone knows about it. Or at least no one seems to go there.
That is until she showed up.
I’ve been spending time in this little corner for the last few months. My mom says the smell of books makes her feel better. Anything to make her feel better is okay by me. But, I get bored staring down the stacks.
I like to explore.
That’s how I ended up here. I’m fairly sure someone once hoped it would be an office or a little carrel. It doesn’t seem big enough for adults, so I could be wrong. It is pretty perfect for someone my size. Or maybe even two someones.
When my mom and I show up, I head straight for my corner with a history book or maybe one about time travel.
The week she shows up I’m reading A Wrinkle In Time for the fourth time.
“Where did you come from?” She asks.
“What are you talking about? I’m here every day,” I huff.
“I’ve never seen you before. Therefore you don’t exist. And, what’s with your shoes?”
“They’re Air Jordans. What’s your problem?”
“Look like space shoes to me.”
Her feathered hair looks outdated, and I’m about to make a snide remark when I see what she’s holding.
A brand new copy of A Wrinkle in Time.
She seems to notice my battered copy at the same time.
She plops down on the other bean bag. We read in silence for the rest of the day.
That was six months ago.
Now, the other bean bag is always occupied. I think I may have made a friend for life.
© A A McRae 2023
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