to simply stumble on something, anything.
Like a fucking fairytale.
I was sick and tired of this.
I drove back into town, only half of my mind on the traffic of Misty Hill. At this time of the day, kids were in school and most adults were busy at work. The streets were mostly deserted.
I stopped my car in front of the library.
One thing I had carried over from my human life—at least I thought so since I didn’t remember the details—was the love of reading. I had no idea how it had begun, but I loved getting lost in books, especially fantasy books about good prevailing over evil. Humans thought it was fiction, but I knew better. Before I had been stuck in this boring routine, that had been my life.
Because of my love for books, I had become a patron of the town’s public library since the first week I had moved here. And because of the quantity of money I had donated to date, I was almost like a celebrity in town. In the beginning, I was quiet and never asked for anything, but they kept sending me reports and updates of things happening at the library.
My life was so fucking boring, I ended up getting more involved than I had planned.
It was hard to admit, but I enjoyed this small part of my life.
I entered the library and was greeted by Miles, an old man who had been the receptionist here for years. He looked frail, but content. Even though I had suggested he retire already—I would anonymously cover any funds he needed—he had refused. His wife had died years ago, and his kids were grown up and living away with their families. He had nothing left but the library.
I couldn’t take that away from him, too.
“Mr. Knight!” Miles grinned at me. “So good to see you.” He clasped my hand with both of his. “Although, I must confess, I wasn’t expecting to see you. What can I do for you today?”
With my free hand, I patted his shoulder. “I’m fine, old man. Just thought I would stop by and pick up some new reading material.”
“We received some boxes this morning with new books. I opened most of the boxes to organize them, but I didn’t have time to enter them in the system and put them out yet.” Miles gestured to the back of the library. “If you would like, sir, feel free to browse through them.”
“That sounds like a go—”
“Miles,” a voice called out. A moment later, Lia emerged from between two tall shelves, a heavy leather ledger in her arms. “I’m confused about this.” She lifted her eyes from the book and halted, in shock.
“Oh, yes,” Miles said. “Hm, Mr. Knight, this is—”
“Lia Jones.” I nodded at her. “What brings you to the library?” My gaze found the little rectangular tag pinned to her shirt. “You’re working here?”
She smiled. “Yes. I started here a few days ago.”
“This is the good side of a small town,” Miles said, mildly amused. “Everyone knows everyone, even the new faces.”
“Lia and her daughter are my new neighbors,” I told him. “Lia often invites me for dinner at their house.” I leaned closer to the old man and pretended to whisper, “She’s a great cook.”
“Oh, don’t lie.” Red tinted Lia’s cheeks. “By the way, I was planning on making a homemade lasagna this evening. You’re invited to stop by.”
“Can I come too?” Miles joked.
“I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” Lia said, though her smile faltered a little.
“I have an appointment later in the afternoon,” I said. “I’ll try to make it, but if I don’t show up, thank you for the invite.”
“Well, I’ll save a slice for you, even if it’s in a Tupperware so you can take it home.”
I had smiled more in the last two weeks than during my entire warrior life. The muscles in my face screamed. “Thank you.” I nodded at them once more. “Now, if you’ll excuse, I’ll take a look at those books.”
Lia and Miles stepped aside to let me pass, and I disappeared between the shelves. As I marched to the back of the library, I massaged my face. Any more smiling and I would need to apply ice to my cheeks.
I found the boxes and carts with the new books in the storage room. I decided to help a little since I didn’t have any place to be. I emptied all the boxes, piled the books on the cart, and then took them