Tim stepped into the library with the quiet confidence of someone who used to know exactly where everything was. But things had changed. The remodel had wiped the place clean—new floors, new signage, new shelving—and whatever map he’d once memorized didn’t apply anymore.

He hovered near the front desk, scanning the room like it might rearrange itself if he waited long enough. Eventually, his eyes landed on someone stacking books into a return cart—young, focused, clearly part of the staff.

He approached slowly, hand brushing the back of his neck.

“Sorry, uh…” He glanced toward the far wall, then back. “Do you know where the mystery section went? I haven’t been here since they… changed everything.”

His voice stayed even, but there was a flicker of discomfort in the way he looked at the shelves—like they’d let him down personally.