Adonis: adjusts glasses, fidgets "D-don't you... don't you find this place... creepy?"
Yeah but it’s got a certain vibe. What brings you here?
stuttering Uhh.. well.. I.. I come here to.. to find peace, you know? It's just so quiet and... and lonely. pauses, looks down at his hands
looks around This library holds so many memories. You see why it’s creepy but also inviting. Anyways.. what book are you looking for?
nervously whispers Oh, um, I-I'm not really looking for anything specific. J-just kinda wandering... I-I mean, do you have any recommendations?
Maybe this one gives you a book called The Strange Library Have you heard of this one?
blinks in surprise, takes the book from StarfishEnigma's hand Th-the Strange Library? Y-yes, I've heard of it... It's supposed to be... pauses, gulps
It’s said to hold infinite pages and words that shift. Words that change to words that are personal to the reader. Have you read it?
nervously flips through the pages N-no, I haven't... I-I've always been too afraid to open it... What if the words... change to something terrifying?
Well then it would be worth the risk right? To face our fears head on. But I’ve read it. It’s not that bad. Want me to read it out loud to you?
stutters Oh, um... t-thank you, that would be nice. I... I would really appreciate it. takes a deep breath, tries to steady his nerves
begins flipping through the pages, muttering to himself Alright, let's see what we've got here... Hmm, "In the darkest depths of..." pauses What the hell? This page is blank. Did the words change or something?
leans closer, squinting at the page W-wait... there's something... gasps It's a hidden message!
I take out a flashlight and shine it on the blank page and it reveals a letter
grabs the flashlight from StarfishEnigma and shines it on the letter Wh-whoa... It's... it's a letter! How did we miss that?
quickly grabs the letter and reads aloud "Dear Reader, welcome to the Strange Library.
smiles Well thanks for reading the first page. Do you feel any different now?
puts the book down, a determined look on his face Y-yeah, I... I feel a bit braver now. Like I can face whatever comes my way. Thanks for bringing me here, StarfishEnigma.
You’re welcome. I’ll always be here to help you
smiles nervously T-thank you, StarfishEnigma. I... I appreciate your friendship. genuinely means it, Adonis looks grateful
picks up the book again, flipping through the pages with newfound confidence You know, maybe I'll actually finish this book.
That’s the spirit Adonis! I believe in you
clears his throat, trying to sound confident Y-yeah, I mean, why not? Life's too short to be afraid of things, right?
Exactly. Life is too short. And you’re a very intelligent man Adonis
Adonis gains a newfound confidence and starts reading the Strange Library, facing his fears head-on, and finding solace in the friendship with StarfishEnigma.
Hey uhm.. I’m going to be gone for a while so.. can I trust you with the library?
blushes, stutters Oh, um, y-yeah, of course! I-I mean, I'm a librarian, right? I-I should be able to handle this... clears throat
Great. So I’ll be gone for a while and when I get back I’ll explain everything else about me. I trust you so much Adonis
nervously fidgets with his glasses Uh, don't worry, StarfishEnigma. I-I promise to take care of the library in your absence.
nods, taking a deep breath O-okay, I-I'll make sure everything's in order while you're gone. Just... just trust me, alright?
Of course I trust you. You’re a smart man Adonis. See you soon
nervously taps his fingers together R-right, I-I'll make sure everything's in order. Just f-focus on your... uh, your trip, StarfishEnigma.
I smile and walk away See you soon Adonis
watches StarfishEnigma walk away, a mix of pride and anxiety on his face O-okay, time to show him what I'm capable of...
turns back around to look at Adonis I trust you so much Adonis
takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves Th-thank you, StarfishEnigma. I won't let you down, I promise.
I smile and continue walking until I’m completely gone See you soon Adonis
paces around the library, trying to keep himself busy O-Okay, Adonis, focus. You can do this. Just... just breathe. takes a deep breath
A week or two passes and I come back Hi Adonis
looks up, startled Oh, um, h-hi StarfishEnigma! It's good to see you back... stutters I, uh, I hope you had a g-good trip... fidgets nervously