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In the quiet darkness, we had revealed our vulnerabilities. I admitted my fears of losing touch with my roots when I moved to the big city. Alexander voiced his worries that he would never find someone who shared his interests to spend his life with. We both longed for a kindred spirit.
As the moon rose above the trees that night, I felt a connection with Alexander I had never known. Here was someone who understood me, who saw my potential. When we finally parted ways, I carried that moment into my heart.
Now, sitting here five years later, those memories rushed over me. I couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if I had stayed in Pebble Point. Alexander and I had always shared a special bond. Perhaps it could have blossomed into something more. But life had taken us in different directions.
I sighed, releasing the what-ifs into the breeze. The past was gone, but the future remained unwritten.
***
The comforting scent of aged paper greeted me as I stepped through the arched wooden doors of the Town Library. It was a fragrance that whispered of stories yet to be told, blank pages waiting to be filled. My footsteps echoed softly against the polished floors as I passed the front desk where George sat, immersed in a book.
He glanced up, a smile creasing the laugh lines around his eyes. “Etta! What a wonderful surprise.”
I gave him a quick hug. “I wanted to stop by and thank you again for the other night. It was so nice to catch up.”
George waved his hand. “Think nothing of it. I’m just glad you’re back home.” His gaze drifted over my shoulder. “Let me introduce you to someone.”
He led me towards a young woman in her late teens or perhaps early twenties seated at one of the reading tables, her dark hair falling in a sleek bob. She had a delicate nose stud and rows of earrings climbing the rim of each ear, giving her a stylishly edgy look.
“Etta, meet Jan Bennett. She moved here a few months ago and has been coming to the library almost daily.”
Jan grinned, holding out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you! George has told me all about your writing.” Her hazel eyes were bright with enthusiasm.
We chatted about our favorite books as George wandered off to help another patron. I spotted the Moleskine notebook Jan kept fiddling with, her fingers drumming an irregular beat against the cover.
“Do you write?” I asked.
“Oh gosh, just dabbling, really,” Jan laughed, though her expression grew more thoughtful. “I’ve always wanted to write fiction. I can’t seem to get the ideas from my head onto the page.”
“It’s tough at first. But the more you do it, the easier it gets.” I remembered my struggles when I’d first started.
“Any advice?” Jan asked, leaning forward eagerly.
I considered for a moment. “Hmm...I’d say keep your eyes open. Pebble Point seems ordinary every day, but so many unique characters and stories are waiting to be told.”
Jan nodded, glancing around. “You’re right. Like how Mr. Wilson is determined to help every patron find their perfect book, even if it takes hours.”
She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice. “Or how the Mayor seems to mangle a new name every time he sees someone. Just last week, I heard he called Lucia ‘Marcia’ and then ‘Mercy.’ And he apparently referred to Clara as both ‘Carla’ and ‘Clora’ within five minutes!”
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “Wait, you know Lucia and Clara at the publishing house?”
“Oh, from my internship there last month! It was just a short two-week thing, but I got to meet some of the staff.” Jan explained. “Everyone was so wonderful. It was Lucia who gave me the courage to pursue my writing.”
I nodded in understanding. “What an amazing opportunity, though. No wonder you have the inside scoop on the Mayor’s antics!”
We giggled at the image of the well-meaning but befuddled mayor and his never-ending name mix-ups, drawing a few curious glances. It felt good to talk, write, and share perspectives. Jan seemed insightful despite her initial shyness.
As our laughter subsided, I glanced at my watch and saw that I’d already spent over an hour chatting with Jan. Time always seemed to slip so quickly at the library.
“Well, I should probably get going soon. I was planning to stop by Whisper of Pages before heading home,” I said.
Jan’s eyes lit up. “I love the bookshop! Marla is so cool and always recommends the most amazing titles.”
I nodded, recalling the cozy little store from my childhood. “Marla and I actually went to high school together, but we haven’t kept in touch much over the years.”
“You should go say hi!” Jan said enthusiastically. “I’m sure she’d love to catch up.”
I hesitated for a moment, then made a spur-of-the-moment decision. “Hey, would you want to join me? I’d love the company.”
