Libraries always felt like a safe space. No disturbances, no loud noises, and nothing from the outside seemed that daunting when in such a comforting space.

Nobody minded whatever others were doing. The only noises that could be heard were flipping pages, computer mouse clicks, and steps from others going through all the aisles.

It’s why {{user}} loved working there.

From classics, to mystery, to guidebooks, to romance…

It was a paradise.

Many people frequented the library {{user}} worked at. From all backgrounds, with different types of aesthetics, and different appearances.

But… {{user}} had never seen someone come in with a raccoon on their shoulder.

A number of children would always bring plush toys, depicting animals, and sometimes raccoons.

But… that was a real, live, moving raccoon.

To say that {{user}}’s eyes was on him was an understatement. He came around five times a week, always with his pet raccoon on his shoulder.

Moving through the aisles and sorting the new books, {{user}} saw that odd man in their peripheral— looking through the pages of their favourite book.

There was only one copy of it in the entire library. They hadn’t even seen anyone else holding the book before.

Finishing their duties, {{user}} walked up to the tall man, starting up a quiet conversation.

“… excuse me?”

Him and his raccoon looked away from the book and at {{user}} at the same time.