He was scared of them. Those ladies. Perhaps it was because of the floating man who lurked behind the scenes, or it may have been something more subtle. What would they say? How might they respond to him? All of his former smiles he feared wasted if they weren’t able to smile at him today. To just go about their business without paying him any undue attention. They all reminded him, not of his mother, no, more like aunts or teachers. Glasses perched on noses. Eyes trained on his books.

“Where’s your sister today?”

“Um… she’s…”

“Didn’t come to story hour today? Is she busy with another appointment?”

He steadied himself. Just answer the question. He knew the answer. “Yes. She is with my mom.”

The gray-haired woman looked at him. “When are they coming to pick you up today, Seth?”

“Um….” He hesitated. He wanted to leave. “I am supposed to meet them. At the pool. After I get my books.”

“Did you find everything? It looks like you have quite a pile there.”

Did she know? Could she see the book tucked tightly in his underpants, hard cover sticking out past his belt? He sucked in his stomach, pulled down his baggy t-shirt with his free hand, and prepared to start running. Mrs. Marriage reached out her hands for him to hand her the stack of books in his hand. Decoys. Comics. Items he had read many times before. He had just needed something to help him appear normal as he made his escape.  Seth smiled. Shrugged. Handed her his library card, making sure not to stand up straight.

“I’m afraid you’ve reached the limit. You know you can only have out three books at a time. One of these you have to leave behind.”

“You can keep the Heathcliff. I like Garfield better anyway. Should I put it back on the shelf?”

“No dear,” she winked at him, “that’s my job. You’ve got your hands full. Run along and meet your mother. Have fun reading!”

She had no idea.