Night At The Library (Lost Souls #1)

Chapter 24: Will

The days that followed were a blur of restless searching and haunting memories. I couldn't shake the feeling that Julie was out there somewhere, just beyond my reach. Every moment of solitude was filled with thoughts of her, her laughter echoing in the corners of my mind.

I scoured social media, hoping to find a trace of her, but my efforts were in vain. It was as if she had vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the lingering scent of vanilla and the ache of longing in my heart.

John tried to distract me with basketball practice and late-night gaming sessions, but even in the midst of laughter and camaraderie, my thoughts kept drifting back to Julie. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing something, that there was a piece of the puzzle I couldn't quite grasp.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the world was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, I found myself back at the library. It was a futile attempt, I knew, but something pulled me there, as if hoping against hope that I would find her waiting for me.

The library was quiet, the shelves casting long shadows in the fading light. Mrs. Finch was at her desk, her glasses perched on her nose as she sorted through papers. She looked up as I entered, a sympathetic smile on her face.

"Will, dear, are you looking for something?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I hesitated, unsure of how to voice the ache in my heart. "I... I'm looking for Julie," I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Julie?" Mrs. Finch echoed doubtfully. "I'm afraid I do not know a girl of such beautiful name. But really what is in a name? Do you know more about this Julie girl? That I can help?"

"She is incredibly intelligent, she wrote a paper on women writers and she writes beautiful stories," I explained, desperation creeping into my voice.

"I am afraid I do not know a girl of such," Mrs. Finch replied, her tone sympathetic. It was a blow, hearing it again, the realization that Julie was a mystery to everyone else.

"Thank you anyways," I said, turning to leave. But as I walked towards the exit, a poster caught my eye on the announcement board. Black words on a pink background read: "Poetry Club on Thursday night. If interested, ask at the front desk."

A glimmer of hope sparked within me. Poetry. Thoughts of that night echoed in my memories. Maybe this was a clue, a way to connect with her, even if just through words.

I turned back towards Mrs. Finch's desk, determined in my steps. "What do I need to do to join the poetry club?" I asked, my voice steadier now.

Mrs. Finch smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Just sign up here," she said, handing me a sheet of paper and a pen. "The first meeting is on Thursday night. I'm sure you'll find it quite enjoyable."

As I signed my name, a promise I made to Julie echoed in my mind. I had promised to continue writing poetry, to let my words be a bridge between us, even if she seemed out of reach.

Leaving the library that evening, the scent of vanilla seemed to linger in the air once more, a whisper of hope amidst the uncertainty. Thursday night couldn't come soon enough. Maybe I wouldn't find Julie, but I could find myself somehow, that me I was with her.