Her

I met my scariest encounter of the year yet today.

All I wanted was to ask a librarian how to return a book. But something about her unsettled me deeply — especially her eyes. I smiled, hoping she was nothing like the grandma from the second IT movie. I just needed to keep my nerve long enough to get my task done.

For a second my mind ran wild. As long as I stayed kind and calm and didn't panic, she wouldn’t jump the counter and turn into some disfigured clown. I definitely didn’t want to leave my laptop behind… though the thought crossed my mind.

What really threw me off was realizing, once I stepped outside, that her response felt completely fabricated. The chute she spoke of didn’t exist. Maybe she didn’t know what she was talking about due to a condition. Maybe I misheard. Or maybe she wasn't being sincere behind those dark pools. And if she was being kind....some eyes don't seem to age well. Either way, I never left a front desk so fast.

I can still feel the discomfort sitting in my chest. The way her gaze held — those pupils, dark and unmoving, not blinking for what felt like too long. It stayed with me longer than I expected.

The whole place felt off. Quiet. Too quiet. I also noticed there were no children there today....more than usual. Then again… I probably wouldn’t have stayed either, not with that lingering stare hanging in the air.

Maybe it was nothing.

But it didn’t feel like nothing in the moment.

I think I need to switch libraries.