The Library

"Mary! Could you come help me clean up the back room?" I heard Mr.Tyden's voice ring though the library.

"Coming!" I called back. I put away the last few books and stared to walk over to him. We had never cleaned out the back room, and it was a mess. Books where everywhere.

"Me.Tyden? Why are we cleaning out the back room? We never have before." I asked him.

He looked at me with his kindly gray eyes. His hair was just tuffs of white upon his head. "I think it's about time we did, eh child." He said with a laugh."

I laughed with him. I guess he's right. The back room is in dire need of a good cleaning. Besides, today was Tuesday, no one was even here. The library is rely small, so we barely get any costumers.

We cleaned the room for about two hours, when Mr.Tyden announced he wanted to go get lunch.

"You want to come with me Mary?" He asked.

"No, what if a costumer comes?" I told him. "Plus, I'm not that hungry."

"Aye, Maria, you are so kind." He said, using the nickname he gave me,"I'll bring you back a cookie." He patted my head, and walked out.

I continued to clean the room.

"Mary..." I headed an eerie voice call. I then heard laughter. Children laughter.

"Come Mary...." A different voice called.

"Hello?" I called out. "Who's there?"

"Over here!" A new eerie voice whispered. I looked at the pile of books.

Sticking out in the pile, was a plain gray book. I don't get why it caught my eye, it looked so normal, yet it did.

"Pick it up..."

"Yes... Read the book...."

There was more laughter. It was as if it was ringing in my mind.

For some reason, I began to walk towards the book. I slowly lifted it up.

"Read it..."

"Open the book Mary..."

"Read... Read..."

I slowly started to pull the cover open.

Half way open.

Three fourths of the way.

And...

"Mary! I'm back!" Mr.Tyden's voice snapped me back to reality. I set the book down.

"Welcome back! I got a good amount done, I suppose!" I tried to sound as normal as possible. For some reason, I really wanted to read that book!

"Good job child! How about you take the rest of the day off, eh? We'll finish cleaning up this mess tomorrow." He said.

"Thank you, Mr.Tyden!" I said. "Could I take another book home though?" I asked.

"Of course, of course! You ask everyday, just take them! I trust you to bring them back." He said, a kind glint in his eye.

"Thank you sir." I said, picking up the silver book. He handed me five dollars for my day's work. I'm lucky, at 12 years old I have a good job that I love.

At home, I pulled out the book. The voices started again. Eerie, children voices rang though my ears.

"Please read it...."

"Yes... Read it."

I pulled open the book, and then I couldn't put it down. The contents scared me. What was going on?! What was I reading!?!

I heard the voices one last time. "Now you know to much. Come join us." Multiple hands shot out of the book. I screamed and thrashed put they pulled me in. And then, I was nowhere.

I get it know. Why I read that. Why I was chosen. Anyone who reads that book, ceases to exist. Just another child, calling out.

Oh wait.

You just read this.

Now you know to much.

Come join us.