Garrett was frozen in shock. That was beyond harsh. “Did you ever find it?”
“No,” April sniffed and wiped at the rim of her eyes. “No, I didn’t, but it was too late regardless. The main librarian here was nice enough to allow me to work at this library. I don’t make much, but I get to spend my days around books, reading, and learning as much as I can. It’s an adequate substitute.”
Filled with anger and annoyance at the system of his world, Garrett knew beyond a doubt that he had to keep searching for information about The Council. There had to be something there. Something to explain why someone who was so ready, so prepared to live out a life they had planned for had been robbed of it in the last moment. Feeling remorse for her, even though none of it was his fault, Garrett, muttered under his breath, “I’m so sorry, April.”
By then, April had already made her way to the staircase. Her hand rested on the rail as she responded, “I am too.”
Chapter 7
Garrett cradled the open book in his hands as he sat on the floor of the library. The dusty cover had opened to reveal a title page with the words A Brief History of the World of Taeopia. Carefully, Garrett turned the page to reveal the table of contents. Glancing over the chapter titles, nothing immediately caught his eye, so he turned to the next page. A preface took up the next fifteen pages, which Garrett skipped.
Finally, he arrived at the first real page of text and began to read: The world of Taeopia has a long heritage. From the dawn of the age of this world, The Council has held that heritage in trust. There have always been two divisions of our people—the Decided and Undecided. Those who knew the way, and those who were yet unsure. The Council held sway over all, and they ruled justly….
Excited, Garrett began skimming through the introductory chapter, trying to find more on The Council, but after a few more mentions, they ceased being referenced. Frustrated, Garrett leafed through the entire book, page by page, striving to find a passage on the origins of The Council. He glanced through every line of text, searching for any key words. He lost track of time until a voice behind him shattered his focus.
“Garrett, the library is closing. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to leave.” April stood looking down at him with a sympathetic smile, holding a lamp in her right hand.
“Can’t you stay open just a little while longer? Or can I possibly take this book with me?” Garrett glanced down at the open page. He was on page 816; only about two-thirds of the way through.”
“No, I can’t keep the library open any longer. We can’t afford it. And I’m sorry, but you cannot take a book outside the library.” April’s smile disappeared and she pursed her lips. “It’s unfortunate, but those are the rules. However, you could always come back and read it if you like.”
Sighing hard in frustration, Garrett slammed the book closed and returned it to the open space on the bookshelf. “That’s fine, I guess. I didn’t quite find what I was looking for anyway.”
“Did you check the other books on the shelf? Maybe they had what you were looking for.” April lovingly drew the fingertips of her free hand down the spine of the book next to the one Garrett had returned.
Watching her, Garrett realized that she cared for each book as if it were a friend or family member. She loved them as if they were living breathing things. “No, I didn’t have time to check. I got caught up in looking at the one you showed me.”
“That’s a pity, but as I said, you’re welcome to come back whenever you want to. We’re open every day.”
Nodding, Garrett took the initiative to head toward the spiral staircase. “I don’t know if I’ll have the time, but I might decide to return. Will you be here if I do?”
“Oh, yes. I practically live here. I spend more time here than I do at home.”
Garrett couldn’t help smiling. “Well, maybe you can help me when I return.”
“Maybe I can,” April smiled back as they both descended the stairs.
As Garrett walked outside the library, he could hear April locking the door behind him and shutting it with a muted thud. Curious, he watched her for a moment. He wasn’t used to places being so securely locked. Who would steal a book?
Not wanting her to catch him staring, he moved on towards the exit of the Undecided sector. Mentally, he retraced everything he’d read while at the library. According to the book, The Council had existed since the dawn of their world. But who had first appointed them? Did they appoint themselves? How did someone become a council member? Had anyone ever put it in their Life Plan and had their desire fulfilled?
The book had defined the roles in society and how they were split between the Decided and Undecided, with the Decideds getting preference
