running into the library you close the hand carved door with a loud thud, your heart pounding at the fact you had run inside to avoid the rain. Soaked and a little overwhelmed you shake out your trench coat leaning back against the extravagant door to catch your breath. No other student is in here at the time, good. You slowly walk forward your black leather boots softly tacking against the dark hardwood floors. The sounds of dying embers from the warm fireplace beckoning you forward, drawing you into one of the large armchairs the coffee table covered in thick hardcover books. You sit there for a moment warming up your cold drenched body. everything is calm the soft drone of rain against the windows and the embers crackling calmly in the night. the fire makes you drowsy as you stare at it in peace. Everything is calm, nothing could happen that would catch you off guard.
but... a voice. A kind voice, the voice of a man. "Don't fall asleep in here my dear" it whispered making you look over your shoulder lazily. No one. Maybe it was the librarian. Probably. you lean back into the chair closing your eyes for a split second before opening them again. you shiver trying to stay awake. Focus! You had to study for exams that's the whole point of coming here! you drag yourself out from the chair trudging down the many rows of shelves packed with beautifully crafted books. You let your fingers lightly slide across the covers as you stop on one compelled to pull it from the shelf. You take it out, perfect! This is the one you needed. You turn taking a few more making a small little stack to carry in your arms. "Be careful around the floorboards, some are loose" the same voice cautioned making you spin around. No one. You turn again going back to the chair confused, brushing it off. you settle down into the armchair preparing for a long night of studying.. . .
"love, you've dozed off" an English voice drew you from your slumbers. A pale translucent figure stood in front of you, wearing a soft blue sweater with a white dress shirt underneath. He had round glasses and curly hair that fell loosely over his face, a kind smile plastered there. you blink straightening up "oh.. I'm sorry sir I guess I'm just a little spent" you reply rubbing your eyes to wake up adjusting in the seat. He leans back standing upright. "darling are you sure your alright?" He said softly with the kind heart melting smile. You can't help but smile back. "Of course I am" you replied. It felt like some hazy dream, the fire visible through his body. He turns setting down the books going back through the rows of books. You watch in silence going back to studying. . .
"Love?" The voice woke you up for a second time. When did you fall asleep? You shook your head perplexed standing up your trench coat now dry. You check the clock, it was two in the morning. You yawn stretching as he watches with a blank expression. "I recommend going back to the dormitories, my dear" he says calmly gesturing to the door. You shake your head needing to study.
"Well, if it helps may I join you?" He asked kindly. You nod, before settling back in.. . .You wake up in the morning the light drifting over your face, you sit up annoyed at yourself for dozing again. But the kind man was gone... where had he gone? you feel a little hollow at his vanishment but before leaving you hear his voice "come back tomorrow night, I'll bring some coffee next time"
