The Girl in the Library
The university library was almost empty.
Ava sat alone by the window, writing in her notebook while rain tapped softly against the glass. She loved quiet places. They made it easier to escape reality.
Suddenly, a book fell from the shelf beside her.
"Ow!"
A voice made her look up.
A tall boy rubbed his forehead while holding a stack of books.
Ava laughed.
The boy looked embarrassed.
"Did you just laugh at my suffering?"
She quickly covered her mouth.
"Maybe."
The boy smiled.
For a moment, neither of them looked away.
"I'm Noah," he said.
"Ava."
The rain outside grew heavier, but neither noticed.
Noah sat across from her.
"What are you writing?"
"A story."
"About?"
Ava closed her notebook immediately.
"No one gets to read it."
"Now I'm curious."
"Too bad."
Noah laughed.
It was the first time in weeks Ava had laughed with someone.
Hours passed as they talked about books, dreams, and random things.
When the librarian announced closing time, Ava was surprised.
It felt like only minutes had passed.
Outside, the rain was still falling.
Noah took off his jacket and held it over her head.
"You'll get sick."
"What about you?"
"I'll survive."
Ava smiled.
As they walked together through the rain, something warm settled inside her chest.
Something she couldn't explain.
Something that felt a lot like the beginning of a love story.
To Be Continued... ❤️
