Vista

tragedy

Every month of the school year, each study group had a day to do research in any of the libraries of Los Angeles.

And it was always on a Saturday so that it didn't have to interfere with classes.

Emily couldn't visit her family on days like this. So I picked her up and we went to a library a bit far from town. Where I knew I would find nobody from school.

Where I dreaded most.

But for Emily I would go there.

The library has been the most scary place to me.

When I was 11, I had a diary offered to me by my grandad. And it so happened I took it one day to the library to write in it.

"Welcome to Bekerly Public Library, Sir. How may we help?" A young lady said to us at the counter.

"Morning ma'am. We're looking for Quantum Physics."

"In the adult section. Take the kids' section, pass through the teens' section before taking the adults' section. If you take the adolescent section to get there you might get lost."

"Thanks ma'am."

We followed her rules. And I looked keenly at the floors of the shelves. No sign. Good. They had done repairs. But I needed to get it back.

We made sure we were quiet so that we didn't disturb any one.

And it made me wonder. I'd known the library for years but it still looked so unfamiliar.

Emily was walking beside me, taking in view of all the books she saw while my heart was pounding in my chest. I didn't know if it was because she was close to me or because I was looking for the fucking hole.

When we found the book, we sat at the adolescent section where there were less people. And I was suddenly curious.

We each had a copy of the book. And she started reading hers.

I looked around when she was reading the book before her.

The scent of old books filled the quiet air. The worst scent I've ever known in my entire life. The shelves made of thick wood were well furnished and grandiose that they reached the ceiling.

And they made me remember that day I lost my diary in this goddamn library.

"You've been looking at the library with so much contempt since we got in."

"I hate it. It's my worst place."

I finally saw the spot. It was still there. Right behind her. No repairs had been done. Fuck the library owner.

"But you brought us here."

"You're not reading anymore." My gaze was fixed at the spot. The deep hole where I lost my diary.

"I want to switch books."

"I hated libraries since I was 11. I pretended to be sick whenever we had excursion to the library, particularly this one."

"Why?"

"Be patient young girl. I thought you had to switch books." I smirked, but blood was pounding in my head.

"Yes but I can't snob you either."

"And which book did you want to switch to?"

"Letters from nowhere."

My gaze became blank.

Emily

#

"Letters from nowhere. I've always loved to read it when I was- Ethan?"