The girl behind the circulation desk

Remember me?

No.

I felt an effacing chill run up my spine. So this was that horrendous feeling, that feeling worse than death.

Her cold blue eyes shredded my eager smile. She was obstinate and refused to be moved. She wanted me to go and never return.

Should I surrender to my accursed fate and walk away? I didn't.

I pulled out the necklace. It was a silver chain with a pedant in the shape of a bird, a pelican.

Here, this is for you. I remember you collected these.

Her eyes warmed again and, yes, a smile broke through. She put it on. The fair skin of her cheeks illumined with blush. I reached out and stroked her right cheek. All was well again...until I woke up.