The following short story is written for Friday Fictioneers.
Don’t be afraid. Your not going to be the first for goodness sakes. Thousands of people have survived and lived to tell about it.
I wait until no one is at the desk. The light from the ceiling seems to form a spotlight directly on me. It follows me as I approach the grand circular counter. All the horrors of a Steven King novel come rushing into my mind. I know somewhere behind lies that crazy clown from the movie “It”.
I focus all my energy and utter my request. “I would like to apply for a library card please.”
Oh Danny Boy! 
Use it or lose it, the library is such an important institution.
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Yup!
Danny
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Then come the true challenge… to face the books.
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Yup!
Danny
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This is so sweet.
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Always an excellent move, no matter the age of the patron.
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Ah, the fear of the unknown and the rewards for facing our fears. Love this. Great imagery!
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Thanks for the nice comment!
Danny
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A gripping tale and not the ending I expected. Loved it! =)
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Thanks for stopping by. Glad you liked it.
DJ
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Brilliant, love the twist at the end – not what I was expecting at all!
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I love the way you describe the light seeming to follow him like a spotlight. It perfectly captures the self-consciousness of a child as well as being a lovely piece of scene-setting.
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Thanks for commenting with such nice words.
DJ
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Feel the fear and get that card. It will serve you well! Lovely gentle story.
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Many thanks for stopping by and commenting.
DJ
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Goodness! This is so very sweet. And I mean that in a good way. The steps, the anticipation all for a library card. I love it!!!
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Thanks Alicia!
DJ
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A fine story, which reminds me that I really love visiting libraries. Although sadly just a few can be quite unfriendly places,
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I expect it is the interrogation and forms that put him off at first.
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I bet you are correct.
DJ
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His bravery is amazing!
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Scary stuff! But it will be worth it in the end…
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10k over.
DJ
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No wonder he is afraid. Having a library card means, he has to study. An exercise he hates. Nice take.
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True. Just the beginning.
DJ
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Taking that first step will open up his world…
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Indeed!
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A great mortality tale, facing your fears can open up a world of knowledge and adventure. Nicely told.
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True! Thanks for commenting.
Danny
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What a buildup for a simple request–but I could feel the heart and mind of the child. To him, it was not simple!
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Thanks for the nice words!
Danny
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Ah, sweet story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Been missing you, DJ. Good to see you back.
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Thanks! Been traveling quite a bit. Time to get back!
Danny
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That brought flooding back memories of the fear of making a noise in the quiet library right up to University age!
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I have shared the same experience.
Danny
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And what a world awaits him!
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True and thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Danny
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