Library: Comfort

Libert arrived back home with a small sense of confidence, his steps faltering as he faced the treacherous door.

The worn wood seemed to bear the weight of his fears, and the lingering memories of past turmoil loomed in his mind. It was a constant reminder of the turbulent environment that awaited him inside.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I need to pick up some groceries. Please say hello to your father for me," Libert's mother uttered hastily before departing, leaving behind an atmosphere heavy with unspoken worries.

Her departure marked the beginning of another lonely evening in the broken house that Libert reluctantly called home.

"O-okay," the young boy stammered, a mixture of anxiety and resignation mingling in his voice.

He knew that the only thing that remained within those dilapidated walls was his drunk father, lost in the haze of his addiction. The burden of their troubled family dynamics weighed heavily on Libert's young shoulders.

As Libert stood alone in the dimly lit hallway, the fading echo of his mother's footsteps offered a fleeting moment of solace.

Seeking strength and reassurance, Libert's fingers found refuge in the pendant that hung around his neck. It was a symbol of resilience, passed down through generations—a reminder that he carried within him the spirit of endurance and hope.

His gaze drifted one last time to the peeling paint on the door, its faded colors mirroring the deterioration of their family life.

The cracks and imperfections seemed to echo the fractures within his own heart, a visual metaphor for the challenges he faced each day.

With a heavy sigh, a mixture of stress and fear intertwined, Libert mustered the courage to step forward. He tightened his grip on the pendant, drawing upon the strength it represented. At that moment, Libert made a silent promise—to himself, to find a way to rise above adversity, to seek a better future.

Leaving the comfort of the porch, Libert ventured into the creaking corridors of his home. The air carried the scent of neglect, mingling with the remnants of past arguments and shattered dreams.

The world outside awaited, offering a glimmer of possibility and escape. Libert turned to face the exit, each footstep led him closer to the exit. With each footfall, Libert's determination grew stronger. He knew that facing the uncertain world beyond his broken home was daunting, but the alternative—remaining trapped in the cycle of dysfunction—was far more unbearable.

Each step felt like a small act of defiance, a resolute push against the oppressive weight of his father.

Libert closed the door behind him, hoping to temporarily shut out the shadows of his father.

Libert felt a wave of relief wash over him as he stepped into his true sanctuary, the library. It was a place that resonated deep within him, a haven that felt more like home than any other.

While his interest in books might have seemed unusual for someone his age, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge had always driven him, pushing him to seek a deeper understanding of the world around him.

As he entered the library, he was greeted by the familiar sight of sunlight streaming through the tall windows, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the rows of bookshelves that adorned the walls.

It was a comforting sight, one that reassured him that he was in the right place, where he could immerse himself in the vast ocean of knowledge that lay within those shelves.

Making his way towards the section dedicated to portals, his mind focused on the incident that had taken place on the train. It was a puzzle that demanded his attention, a mystery that needed to be unraveled.

Lost in his thoughts, Libert was suddenly jolted back to reality by a voice, spirited and full of life.

"I haven't seen you around here before".

Turning his head swiftly, he found himself face-to-face with a captivating young girl. Her long, ebony locks cascaded down to her waist, framing her delicate features. The intensity of her sapphire eyes held him captive, making it difficult for him to form coherent words.

"Y-yah, l-looking for s-something new," he stammered, his gaze still locked with hers, captivated by the depths of her piercing eyes.

Curiosity emanated from her as she inquired, "And what is it that you seek within these walls?"

"I-I'm looking for a b-book on portal c-contamination…," Libert replied, quickly scanning her attire and noticing the air of elegance that surrounded her.

Confidence radiated from her as she spoke, "I don't know if this library has the book you're looking for."

Libert's curiosity was piqued, and he found himself compelled to ask, "W-what b-brings you to the l-library?"

A touch of melancholy tinted her voice as she responded, "I'm here, at least for now, looking for an escape..." Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight of hidden stories yet to be told. "Shall we embark on this search together, in pursuit of your mysterious book?"

A surge of curiosity mingled with a strange sense of connection compelled Libert to accept. "S-sure…" he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of trepidation and intrigue. From that moment on, their fates became intertwined as they embarked on a shared quest through the labyrinthine corridors of the library.

———

The library was quiet, filled with the scent of old books and the soft rustling of pages turning. Libert sat at a wooden table, engrossed in a conversation with the young girl, after an extensive conversation— Libert learned that her name was Elena. They had been talking for what felt like hours, their words flowing effortlessly between them.

As their discussion neared its end, Elena leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Libert," she said, her voice filled with determination, "I have an idea. How about we visit the portal training center together?"

Libert blinked in surprise, his curiosity piqued. "Th-the portal training center? W-why there," Libert was well aware of what a portal training center was, but he was also aware of the fact that they were extremely expensive

Elena's smile widened, her enthusiasm infectious. "Well, you've always been interested in portals, haven't you? And going to the training center might help your understanding," the young girl's voice emitted a sentiment of curiosity as she attempted to persuade Libert.

A mix of anticipation and uncertainty swirled within Libert. He had spent countless hours reading about portals, imagining the vast realms they could lead to. But the idea of stepping through one, experiencing it firsthand, felt simultaneously thrilling and intimidating.

Libert took a moment to consider Elena's proposal, his eyes drifting to the shelves lined with books on magical realms. Finally, he met her gaze, his voice filled with a small amount of resolve. "O-okay, but I don't have any money."

Elena beamed, her joy radiating through the dimly lit library. "That's okay! I have some money to spare."

"O-okay," Libert said as his tone became imbued with a tinge of excitement, but the possibility of his drunk father hunting him down lingered in the back of his brain.

They gathered their belongings, leaving behind the silent books and venturing into a world where endless possibilities awaited. As they stepped outside the library, their hearts brimmed with anticipation.

Outside the library, a gentle breeze caressed their faces, carrying whispers of distant realms and untrodden paths. The air seemed charged with possibility as they set forth, hand in hand, towards the portal training center—a haven where knowledge converged with adventure.