E

As a child, no matter where I lived, the library was a sanctuary for me. No one there bothered me and the calm, serene nature of the place was the perfect escape.

This time, I wasn’t there to relax and escape. I had work to do and, with it being the summer, there was less of a chance of many patrons visiting when the beach was around the corner.

I offered the librarian my money and she guided me to the copy machine. The original copies would be mine but I had big plans for one set of copies.

I tried not to dwell on the librarian stumbling over her words while avoiding looking at my face.

I intended to be in and out very quickly, especially because of the uncouth reaction from the librarian. Sometimes when people were uncomfortable they wanted to tell others about it and I didn’t need several people to identify me. I’d been careful each step of the way, but I could never be too careful.

I did a double-take when I saw Sylvia’s sister sitting alone on a chair by the windows. I smiled wistfully. Her legs propped up the thick book in front of her. She absently rubbed her finger along the temple tip of her glasses while her mouth moved to the words she was reading. She reminded me of myself when I found a good book to read.

She looked up as if she felt me watching. For once, I was taken aback.

She offered a friendly wave and I glanced over my shoulder to see whom she was waving at. There wasn’t anyone there.

I turned around and waved back.

She smiled and went back to reading her book.

I watched her for another minute or so. She’d delved back into the novel with absolute concentration. Her adolescent innocence was captivating, reminding me of why I came to find Sylvia to begin with. I reaffirmed my mission and headed back to my room at the Chester Bay Inn.