Meeting You ✓

Solace

Chapter 2

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The library was the epitome of elegance.

I shuffled silently into its cavernous halls, breaths falling into heightened hushes so as to not disturb the peace. The library was a safe space; a little bubble where I could be myself and escape from the world for a little while.

The front door was always the trickiest bit – built with mahogany and towering over the tallest of us. I had to push on it – just to give it that extra nudge.

Here's a little insight into our neighbourhood.

Welcome to Simplexton.

In our lovely little town, we aspire to be unlike the others; we aspire to be simple, plain and proper. Easier said than done.

Simplexton is located in the great country of Geniusity.
They form a distinct contrast.

Basically, the entire population pretends we cease to exist – because as time went on, Simplexton transformed into a land of opportunity to a land of nothingness. To the Geniusitizens, we are but dust on a canvas.

The only real attraction here – besides the murders – is the library.

Adorned with the most beautiful teak and structured to withstand the forces of nations, the giant stood mighty amongst humble terrace houses. A friend once told me that the building was established as a communal hall then turned into a shelter when war enemies invaded. Now, it is home to the knowledge of generations.

With painted glass that told folklores and fairy tales, it marvelled both locals and foreigners alike. This – this is where I thrive.

There was, however, another reason why I visited the library.

The building's caretaker (the librarian) was a ray of the sun herself, with a smile that brightened up anyone's day and an alto voice as mellow and sweet as viscous manuka honey. She shone.

Her name was Cara.

"Ilys!"

The sound of footsteps pushed closer as I turned back to meet plush heart shaped lips curving into a grin.

"Cara!" I whispered back, careful to keep my voice low.

Cara's hair was a shimmery strawberry blonde – the kind you'd imagine a fairy having as she frolicked over daisy-hugged fields and glimmering meadows. A cross pendant hugging her neck shone rose gold.

My beloved strolled up beside me, swinging her arm over my shoulder. Her orange-scented perfume immediately hit my nose, the strong citrus-y scent pairing well with a fruit-themed cardigan hugging a wonderfully-proportioned figure,

"Anything specific that you're looking for today, lovely?" she asked in an all-too-familiar Irish accent.

I chuckled, pushing my glasses back up my nose for the thousandth time of the day, "Anything new about criminal psychology?" I asked, hugging her back, "And anything you have about the neighbourhood murders. It's for a personal project."

Cara's lips twisted slightly, fingers reaching to stroke her chin. She faltered for a moment but quickly went back to her cheery self, "Nothing new on the studies end – but you can find some newspaper articles and reports in the basement where we keep most of the records. Be careful, it's pretty dark in there and you might trip. The light switch is to your right," she mumbled out hesitantly, "I won't be able to go down there with you, unfortunately. Have other matters to attend to."