The Infinite Library is vast. An incredible repository of knowledge and stories. All the concrete facts and conflicting opinions. There are people who dedicate their lives to trying to find meaning in the world and here are the results, stacked neatly on the dark wood shelves waiting to be picked out and rediscovered. 

Then there are the stories. All the worlds that people had built in words alone, the results of incredible imaginations, all lined up. You could lose yourself in here, and not just in the physical sense, but if the rumours are true, both are a possibility.

The library is silent as I weave through the stacks, save for the sound of my own footsteps on the hard wood floor. They echo in a way I don’t expect, almost like the sound is coming from somewhere else. It isn’t until I stop and the footsteps continue in the same steady beat that I realise my mistake.

“Are you lost miss?” a male voice calls out.

I’m not. I know exactly where I’m going, but the information I seek is forbidden. Instead I flash him a charming smile. “Just browsing,” I say, but my voice is pinched.

“This is a beautiful place, isn’t it,” the man says as he draws closer.

I nod in agreement, and try to edge away.

“What are you looking for?” he asks.

“Like I said, I’m just browsing.” My voice waivers. No-one comes here just to browse.

“You should be careful, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours of people who get lost.”

I nod, but my mouth has gone dry.

“It’s not true,” he says, and my anxiety relinquishes its vicelike grip. “They didn’t get lost, they just never came out.” The smile that spreads across his face isn’t friendly. “And neither will you.”