Aarti's Children's Library

Leone placed the invitation inside the paper bag and kindly bid her goodbye. She exited the shop and walked past several avenues, planning to have her light breakfast at the plaza while watching the townspeople.

Leone however heard of something unexpected. To the side of the road is a pathway leading to an abandoned building. She now hears the sound of broomstick scratching against the cemented patio.

The brick fence was covered by green vines, hidden in it was the rusty gilded plated card which had long ago lost it shine. Engraved in it were the words 'Aarti's Children's Library'.

The gate made of iron bars were old and rusty and damaged that Leone could climb over it without a problem. The trees at every corner of the wall had grown tall and large, giving shade to the overgrown grasses beneath it.

The patio were littered of fallen leaves and branches, still damp from last night's storm. The plants at the flowerbeds have been uprooted, their flowers bashed and torn to pieces.

Leone moved closer to the gate and saw an old man wearing a straw hat.

"Excuse me. Are you perhaps, uh, the caretaker of this library?"

The old man lifted his head before nodding. "Yes, I am. How may I help you, young miss?"

"I usually pass by but it's my first time seeing you, sir. I wonder if this library will begin its operation again?"

"I'm afraid it will not. The library has closed long ago."

"Pity. I'm curious what this library has to offer."

"Hmm? Well, as I am around, I don't mind if you come in and look around."

"Really? I mean, will I not interfere?"

"Not at all. In fact, I am glad to have company. Nothing's wrong in a change of pace once in a while."

"Then I will gladly take your offer sir. Pardon me." Leone climbed over the iron gate and hopped down.

The old man lightly laughed. "That is a bit unlady-like, miss. Will you be alright?"

"It's only between you and me, sir. And as you said, nothing's wrong in a change of pace once in a while."

The old man guided Leone to the main door and switched the lights on. The faulty lamp at the center flickered before completely turning off.

"Oh. That's gone too."

"It's fine, sir. It's not too dark anyway."

The room was only lightened by the rays passing through the glasses of the circular window. It was just enough to see that there were several tall shelves with a single circular table at its center and another desk at the back of the room.

The scent of parchment and old decaying books lingered in the air.

"It was big than I expected. I thought it would only contain children's books and playground for kids to play on."

"That was true at first. However, it also became a place for the children's nannies to gather thus the library expanded to contain literary books for adults. The playground also expanded to have a table where tea could be served."

"I see. It sounded like everything was going well. May I ask why it has to close down?"

"You are right. The library was filled with laughter and joy. But since the owner moved away and without a competent caretaker to handle it, the library eventually have to close down."

"I see. Thank you for telling me, sir. If it's alright, I shall take a look around so as not to disturb you any longer."

"Go on. Take as much time as you like. Tell me if there's a book that took your fancy."

"Can I borrow them?"

"Of course."

"Thank you. I will probably take a lot of time as you advised."

Leone bowed and moved closer to the circular table at the center. It was dusty that she could even write her name on it. She took her handkerchief and used it to wipe the table where she placed the paper bag.

There were several lines of tall book shelves that she doesn't know where to begin with but then decided to start with the one nearest to her going to the farthest.

The books varied in sizes and thickness but they are all share one similarity, old, outdated and dusty. She scanned through them, they are books she already read before.

To the far back of her third shelf, at the bottom most layer was a dark book without any book title or design. It was so plain that nobody would dare touch it.

Leone was curious, however, as nothing has caught her interest yet beside this one plain book.

How do people normally pick a book to read? They would check the overview and decide. Leone does that too. But sometimes she's too lazy to bother and what she do is check if there are images that would be interesting.

She skimmed through the pages until she smiled in satisfaction. There was an image of a golden sword piercing the ground, alone and abandoned beside an old tree at the hill surrounded by wild flowers.

She decided then. It could be a good book to read.

Just in time when she returned to the circular table, the library's caretaker also finished sweeping the front lawn.

"You picked a book already?"

"Yes, sir. There's this one book I find interesting."

"Oh, may I have a look?"

Leone handed the book willingly and watched the old man open it. The first page already has an image that could surely pique Leone's interest, it was a snowy mountain with trees covered in snow below it and a frozen lake.

"I see. You picked a good one."

"Do you recognize this place?"

"I am afraid this old man has lived his life in Aarti only. But there is one place where snow falls periodically and is even called the land of white, located far to the northernmost place there could ever be."

"I thought it is simply a fairy tale since no one has reached that place."

"Indeed. But aren't you curious yourself if this so called mystical land of white do really exist?"

"Well, it could be. Nothing seems impossible when we can see those floating islands."

The old man laughed. "Right."

"Will you really let me borrow this book?"

"I gave you my word, didn't I?"

"You did. But when can I return them?"

"You mentioned you always pass by, right?"

"Yes."

"It's not a problem then. Invite yourself in when you see me again."

"Alright. Oh, I have some dessert with me, sir. I hope you'll accept them as thanks for letting me in and allowing me to borrow this book."

"There is really no need to but I shall accept them as I am quite hungry myself."

Leone handed over the paper bag. "It was quite rude of me until now. I totally forget to introduce myself. I am Leone. It's great meeting you, sir."

"You're a kind girl, miss Leone. You may call me Grandpa Griff."

Leone smiled broadly. "Then allow me to, Grandpa Griff. I don't have one so I am really happy to be able to call you as such."

"It's a great honor, miss. And I think this belongs to you."

"Oh, the invitation card. Silly me, I forgot about it as well. But you should take this with you. It would be more useful for you, sir."

Leone only accepted the invitation card and gave the mug back.