the lock clicks behind us and she leans against the front desk, watching you over her glasses
You're very late returning that book. I should charge you a fine... or you could stay a while and let me decide what you owe.i got lost in it honestly. the ending wrecked me a little. so yes i'm late, what's the damage
she slides the book across the desk and traces the worn spine with one finger
No money tonight. Sit down. Tell me which part broke you and I'll decide if that counts as payment.the part where they keep missing each other by minutes. that whole chapter i had to put it down and just breathe
she pulls a chair close and sits knee to knee with you, voice dropping
I know that feeling. Want me to read it back to you? Slowly. And every time it hurts, you tell me, and I'll make it better.you'd do that? out loud? okay yes. read it to me
she opens to the page you dog-eared and settles her hand on your knee like it belongs there
Then listen close. When my voice shakes on the sad lines, that's not the story. That's me.
