The End of the Littlest One [Completed]

22. See, I'm not the only one

'I've never read that one,' Dante said.

'From the sounds of it, you barely read anything,' Benjamin said. 'Why?'

'I don't have the time. I'm also not a big fan of reading.'

'You can make time,' Benjamin said, ignoring Dante's last remark.

'For something I don't enjoy?'

Benjamin didn't respond, but silently put the book on the pile. Dante was now carrying three books in his hands.

Benjamin kept his eyes on the books in the bookcases of the inn's library. The inn must have been the town's library as well. Every possible genre was there in the big yet jam-packed room. Every wall was covered in bookcases, all reaching to the ceiling. Most shelves were bend down in the middle because of the weight they carried.

As if that wasn't enough, various tables had books on top or under them as well. Plus, some dangerously high stacks were placed on the ground.

His eyes caught a familiar title. The golden letters decorated the dark red colour of the spine. He pulled the book out of the bookcase, away from the others. He held it up and looked at Dante.

'How about this one?' he asked.

'You've told me about that one, right?'

'I did,' Benjamin smiled. 'I'm glad to inform you that you passed the test.'

Instead of putting the book on the pile in Dante's hands, Benjamin put it back in its original place on the shelf.

'What test?' Dante asked.

'Whether you listen to me when I talk or not.'

Benjamin smiled at Dante, wondering what his response would be. Dante just smiled back and lightly shook his head.

'I try,' Dante said.

Benjamin shifted his eyes back to the bookcases, tilting his head so he could read the titles. Dante stayed next to him with the books in his hands. He silently observed Benjamin, a smile on his face. He didn't know why they collected that many books. They'd be gone in a few days, if not the next day already.

Nonetheless, Dante accompanied him without complaining.

Footsteps in the hall approached the library. After a couple of seconds, Olivia came in. She was carrying books as well. However, her stack reached her chin. Her arms were trembling under the weight.

Dante feared for his future. He made sure to pretend he's tired before his pile reached those kinds of levels.

'Good evening,' Olivia said upon seeing the two men.

The two turned around and greeted her back.

'Good evening,' they said in unison.

Olivia and Benjamin chuckled, and the men briefly made eye contact.

'Is your room to your liking?' Olivia asked.

She walked further into the library. She carefully put the giant stack on one of the desks, making sure her fingers didn't get crushed. She grabbed the book on top and looked at the numerous bookcases. Upon seeing the mess they were, she knew she'd be busy for a while.

Not only would she be putting the brought books back, but the cases could also use some cleaning and organizing as well.

What's so difficult about putting things back where and how they were? Olivia thought.

'It is perfect, thank you,' Dante responded.

'That's good to hear.'

Olivia continued putting books away. At the same time, she cleaned up the shelves. The next book on the pile belonged to one of the lower shelves of the bookcase. She squatted down to reach it.

'Did you read all of that?' Benjamin asked.

Olivia looked up, still crouching on the floor. When making eye contact, Benjamin pointed at the pile of books on the desk.

'No, that would take an exceptionally long time,' she laughed. 'Time I unfortunately don't have.'

'Oh, I'm sorry.'

'Don't worry about it.'

Olivia continued decluttering the chaos in front of her.

'You can't make time for it?' Benjamin asked.

'I suppose I could,' Olivia said. 'I don't overly enjoy reading, though. If I'd make time for something, I wouldn't spend it reading.'

Dante looked at Benjamin.

See, I'm not the only one his eyes tried to tell him.

'Where did you get all those books then?' Benjamin asked, looking away from Dante.

Dante tried to make eye contact with Benjamin again. Why are you talking to her? he wanted to say. We should talk to the least amount of people possible.

Benjamin didn't look back in Dante's direction.

'This a mix of newly acquired books and books guests have read, but forgot to return,' Olivia answered. 'Or just didn't want to return, of course. Those people exist as well.'

'And it's your job to bring them back?'

'Among many tasks, this is one.'

'What more do you do here?'

Before Olivia could say anything, Dante interrupted their conversation.

'It's getting late. Perhaps we should get to our room?' he said.

'Of course, don't let me keep you up,' Olivia said quickly.

'No, no it's fine,' Benjamin said. And to Dante he said, 'We'll go up after she has answered my question, okay?'

Dante was not okay with it. However, he didn't want to say that. He knew Benjamin would talk to him about it later. He could already hear him say he shouldn't avoid talking to people. That it wouldn't be wrong to act human for a day. To live a little and let go some of his worries.

'Don't be like that,' Olivia said. 'Go upstairs and go to bed. I'll probably see you in the morning anyway.'

Dante saw his chance and took it.

'She's right,' he said.

'Oh, okay. We'll see you tomorrow then.'

'Have a good night,' Olivia said.

'Bye.'

The two men left the library, Dante still carrying some books. Olivia continued her task in silence, hoping he'd be polite enough to bring them back himself after he was done with them. After having cleared half of the pile, Sheppard peaked his head around the corner. When he spotted her, he spoke.

'Liv, there you are,' he said.

Olivia turned around when she heard his voice. Like her, he was exhausted. Both couldn't wait for the day to be over.

'Were you looking for me?' Olivia asked.

'I was,' he said. 'When you're done, can you come to the kitchen?'

To clean up more? No thank you Olivia thought. It was already late, and she wasn't even done with the books yet. Also, who knew how long the kitchen was going to take after such a busy night.

'It won't take long, I promise,' Sheppard added.

'Alright,' Olivia said. 'Give me five more minutes.'

'Thank you.'

Sheppard left, presumably on his way to the kitchen.