Even Winter Was Warmer Than You
uninvited silence
Elira behind the front desk. Aryan enters the library for the first time.
Aaryan
Is this where I ask for help or pretend I know what I’m looking for?
Elira
That depends.
Do you usually pretend?
Aaryan
Only when I’m in places I don’t belong.
Elira
You think you don’t belong in a library?
Aaryan
I deal with numbers, not words.
Power, not poetry.
Elira
Books don’t bite.
Unless you open the wrong one.
Aaryan
Which one’s the wrong one?
Elira
The one that knows too much about you.
Aaryan
Interesting answer...
What if I’m looking for something quiet? Something… honest.
Elira
Then you’ll have a hard time.
Honest things don’t survive long around people with power.
Aaryan
You assume I have power.
Elira
You walk like you own the floor.
And your coat probably costs more than the library’s budget.
Elira
It’s my job.
Shelve books. Scan eyes. Keep quiet.
Aaryan
And yet you’re speaking to me.
Elira
Only because you asked for help.
What are you looking for?
Aaryan
I’m not sure.
But I’ll know it when I see it.
Elira
Try aisle seven. Back corner.
That’s where the forgotten things are.
Aaryan
Because I didn’t come here for books.
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