Chapter 35: The Beggining After The End

STEP STEP STEP 

In the library of time, Hakim walked through the corridors as usual. The old man felt comfortable observing the shelves packed with books on rows that extended for miles. Each of his steps created a soft and melodic echo. 

"Hm?" 

Sitting at the base of a divider, a young man held an open, leather-bound book in his hands. Unnoticed, the man approached. 

"History of Nations... since when are you interested in the past, boy?" he asked rhetorically. "After everything that happened, I thought you'd be more tired, Li." 

Noticing Hakim's presence, he replied, "I couldn't sleep." Looking at the distant ceiling, he continued, "I think I'm a bit anxious, but this place always helps me breathe." 

"I must say I understand the feeling well. An interesting choice for reading, it's a good book, although for a human, it can be a bit agonizing." 

"How so?"