What would happen if your name isn't your name? If you aren't who you think you are? And if what you believe to be real is an illusion created by your tormented mind? How would you feel?
In this story, fantasy sets the stage for a world where Chlori...
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The first raindrops start to fall as I'm about to close the library. Outside, the wind blows strongly and the cold manages to pierce through my thin protection since I mindlessly rushed out this morning. My raincoat does its best, but I demand a lot from it. I put on my hood to protect myself from the downpour before stepping outside.
Just as I'm doing so, I look behind me and see a tall guy, almost soaked, running the last steps to reach me in the rain.
"What a storm!" he exclaims, "Did I make it on time?"
His honey-coloured eyes shine intensely, contrary to the dull grey sky, and his drenched hair lets thick drops of water fall on his face.
"Uhm, no. I'm closing right now", I reply loudly so my voice can reach him over the noise of the rain. Who would come at this hour and with this storm?
"What? The sign says you close at 5 pm", he points at the sign, "it's 4:55 pm!"
"Yes we do, but it's past 5 now", I said, convinced it is already time to close.
"Five to five!"
"That is not..."
"What?!" he shouts, the rain getting louder.
"I said..." I interrupt myself, there's no use to continue.
I try to put on my best face as I make my way back to the library inviting him in. He smiles in gratitude. I take off my hood and walk a few steps towards the counter leaving wet footprints as I do so. Behind it, there's this huge wooden clock my boss acquired from his paternal family in Italy. I don't have my phone with me so I don't know the time exactly.
"Look, it says it's... " I face the clock, "Huh?" My words stop as I notice that the clock's hands are not moving. I turn around the counter and approach the clock. I tap it gently, hoping it will start working again, but it remains motionless.
Has it stopped working just now? This day is clearly conspiring against me to make me lose my patience at all costs, but it won't defeat me.
"Alright... Today's your lucky day. The clock gave out."
"I think you need to get it fixed", he suggests, also looking at the clock, "so?".
"Most likely... " I crack my neck and massage it a bit, "Alright, it is indeed five to five. So, how may I help you?"
I almost overlook the fact that he might be a university student in urgent need of some material for a project. It's possible; it's not the first time it's happened. My librarian instinct takes over quickly.
"A Bible."
I raise an eyebrow.
"A Bible?"
"Don't you have Bibles here?"
"W-well, it's not that. We do, it's just that... Is it for a university project?"
"No. Must I give out the details or can I omit them?"
