28. The Librarian

Islipped a book back onto its shelf, ensuring it was flush with the others before turning to the stack on the chair next to me and selecting the next one. Some might say I spent too much time perfecting the library and the books within, while others agreed that it was necessary to keep this building a haven of peace and tranquility.

The bell on the front door jingled and two individuals walked in together, chattering and laughing. I turned in their direction to gently shush them, but before I could put my finger to my lips, I realized who had just come in.

“Xander and Luke, welcome back to the library!” I hurried to the front desk to greet them, straightening out my tunic while I pushed a few unruly strands of curls behind my ear. “Is there anything I may help you with today?”

“No, I think we have everything we need.” Xander turned and smiled at Luke, who squeezed his hand in return.

“We’re out on a date tonight,” Luke explained, “and we wanted to come back to the place where we first met and reminisce.”

“If I remember your first date correctly, it wasn’t something to be remembered fondly.” I chuckled, but Xander shot me a dark, withering glance, and I quickly turned my chuckle into a throat-clearing. “Well, it’s lovely to see you both happy and healthy.”

“Thanks,” Luke replied. “There’s something else we wanted to tell you too.” He nudged Xander in the ribs with his elbow.

Xander coughed. “Uh, yes, indeed.” We wish to thank you for the matchmaking service that brought us together – both times. Thank you for believing in us.”

I smiled. “There’s no need to thank me. I’m simply doing my job. But do spread the word about the service if you’re so inclined. I imagine a world someday where everyone in this town has their soulmate, both monsters and humans alike.”

Luke nodded. “We’ll do that. See you soon, Librarian.”

“I shall see you again soon.”

They left me alone at the front desk to meander through the rows and rows of books while they chatted. Once they were gone, I slipped to the hidden back room and pulled a massive, ancient book off one of the shelves. The pages were mostly empty, save for a few in the front, which had several names printed neatly on the yellowed pages. On a free line, I wrote Luke’s and Xander’s names in black ink, letting it dry before closing the book and placing it back on the shelf, where it would sit until I had another pair of names to add.

I sighed and put my hands on my hips, looking contentedly at the bookshelf. “Just another day at the library,” I said, giving the matchmaking boot one last pat before returning to the pile of books I still had to put away before closing up for the night.