Echo of the Sea

Echo of the Sea: A Short Story

She sat in an old wooden chair, flipping through the pages of an even older book, lost in her story, until reality came crashing through.  

    “Elsie, there is a young man who requires your assistance, he is right over there.”

Florence announced. Elsie looked over to the young man that Florence was pointing to, a shorter, wiry looking lad with light brown hair shining in the sunlight. He wore a formal suit, almost seeming to be at odds with the sly smile upon his lips. She closed her book, and nodded to Florence while standing up from her seat; She straightened out her dress and walked over to the young man and offered her assistance.

“How can I be of service?” Elsie asked the young man. He turned to look at her and smiled.

“I was wondering if you had a copy of Moby Dick.” Elsie nodded and ushered him to the left side of the library.

“Hmm,” She scanned the bookshelf. “Ah, here it is.” She said as she pulled out the book. Elsie offered the book to him, and he accepted it with grace.

“Thank you. You must know this library pretty well, I presume.” Elsie smiled at him.

“I know this library better than anyone here. I’ve been coming here for quite some time.” Elsie recounted.

“May I ask your name?” The young man inquired politely.

“Elizabeth, but you can refer to me as Elsie.” She responded.

“What an interesting name that is, Elsie. Well, my name isn’t as fancy as yours, but it is William.”

“Well, William, although it isn’t as fancy, it is distinguished all the same.” Elsie paused. “What has peaked your interest in Moby Dick?” Elsie pondered.

“My associates brought up the subject of whales, and this book in particular, so I was interested as to why they had found it so fascinating. I’ve always enjoyed the sea as well, so it has piqued my curiosity even more.”  He mused

“I’ve never been to the ocean before, actually.” Elsie confessed. They went on to talk about the book, and all things related to it, until William glanced up at the clock and realized he must go.

“Would you like to accompany me to lunch this afternoon?” William questioned.

“I’d be delighted.” Elsie agreed.

“Brilliant! Meet me at Lyon’s Corner House at noon.” William strode away excitedly. Elsie was blushed, and smiling. She turned to view Florence giving her an approving look.

Elsie returned to her previous seat, an older wooden chair, grabbing the back of her dress, so she wouldn’t sit improperly upon it. She rested her favorite book, The Picture of Dorian Grey onto the cracked wooden table and proceeded to open it and begin reading. Occasionally she would peer up and look at the clock because she has to make sure she's on time to her appointment with William. Elsie had read over fifty pages by the time she looked up at the clock again, and realized she was going to be late if she didn't leave that instant. Elsie excused herself from the library, and rushed down the pavement. Big Ben just finished ringing, which signaled the coming of midday, causing her to hurry herself even faster. When she finally arrived at Lyon’s Corner House, William was leaning against the wall, side to the entrance door.

“Forgive me, have I made you wait long?” Elsie apologized politely, hoping she hadn’t kept him waiting.

“Oh not to worry, love. You'd be worth the wait regardless.” William reassured Elsie whilst he opened the creaking door for her. They went inside and seated themselves, waiting for their waiter to arrive. Elsie took off the sweater she was wearing and put it on the back of her chair.