Happy Birthday

The Library

When we arrived at the library, there were two buildings. One was shiny, clean, and new, and the other was old and crumbling. I knew right away which I was supposed to enter. The old one. But if there was a book about birthdays to be found, it would certainly be in the one used by the Lords.

So when my family was looking, I crept into the line leading up to the Lords' Library. Immediately, I realized there was no way I could waltz in the main door in my worn dress- it was practically a rag! Rich people wore clothes that shone, clothes that were as bright and clean as fresh snow. Hopefully, I could find another way in.

I slipped around to the back of the building, searching for an entrance I could use. After what seemed like endless searching, I spotted an open window. Miraculously, it was low enough to the ground that I could climb right through it. I landed on a soft, carpeted floor next to a bookshelf filled with books. The air inside smelled like lavender, and the books seemed to all be gilded with real gold. Oh, what it would be like to live life like that.

Come on Ella, focus! I needed to find a book on birthdays. Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays. I took a deep breath to try and clear my head.

Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around slowly.

A man was smiling down at me, "Hello," he said kindly. Something about him just seemed so nice and friendly.

"Hello," I smiled back.

"Surely you shouldn't be here," he wondered.

"No, I shouldn't. I came in here to find a book on-" I clamped a hand over my mouth. Why was I telling him everything?

"I-I really should go," I informed him, heading back towards the window. Safety was worth more than a book.

"No," he commanded, grabbing my arm, "You'll stay right here."

I tried to scream, but he muffled my cries with his hand. I kicked and punched frantically, but it was to no avail. He was just too strong. At last, I gave up, defeated.

"What do you want with me?" I questioned him, when he finally removed his hand from my mouth.

He only smiled a malicious smile and pulled a small, metallic object out of his pocket. It was the size of a button and very shiny. Without warning, he dug it sharply into the palm of my hand, making me cry out in pain.

I was on fire. I didn't know what hurt because my whole body was shaking with pain. Shaking and vibrating and pulsing with needles and sharp, sharp pain. I was sure it was going to kill me.

But the pain faded when reality slipped away.