I flipped through pages in each of the three books for a while. Even found myself a little
impressed
at how quickly I could absorb the knowledge.
The
clarity
of the writing combined with my own educated background - and Helene’s understanding of this world’s
terminology
- made a ’good enough’ level of comprehension simple.
Of course, I can imagine being scolded by an instructor for my
haphazard method
. Part of me is actually
waiting
for the moment one of their voices would interrupt my attempt to study and-
"Excuse me, miss."
I blink and look up to find a young man in a
store uniform
eyeing my stack of books. The one who had been
watching me
as I shopped.
"Are you planning to purchase those? This isn’t a library."
"I’m evaluating them before making my final selections. Is that prohibited?"
He seemed taken
off guard
by my tone. Confident and
unhurried
, just like I was arguing back to one of my instructors.
It sort of just came out that way because of the mood and environment.
"No, but... five books is a lot to... evaluate when I’ve never seen you in here before."
I closed the pregnancy guide in my lap with
deliberate slowness
. This was starting to feel like the start of the diner again and I admit I
understand
why.
Helene knew that
theft
is an inherent problem in this human society. From that perspective, I can
tolerate
making decisions that limit its impact.
But my
tongue
has a mind of its own.
"And how many would be an acceptable number, in your professional opinion?"
My words make the young man
uncomfortable
and he frowns in slightly
embarrassed anger
.
"Look, we just ask that people who want to read in our shop for extended periods either purchase the books or visit the public library."
Public library
. So there is one
nearby
. I was hoping the city guide would have that information, but had not gotten around to opening it yet.
I stood up while gathering my stack of chosen books.
"In that case, I’ll purchase these and leave your establishment. Would you mind letting me know where this library might be located?"
He blinked an
excessive
number of times. Somehow surprised at my
immediate capitulation
.
> I’m not sure why. I have been quite calm and non-combative. Do customers tend to argue back strongly so frequently that this is more surprising? My backpack was already growing full with clothes... especially with the jacket on top of it all. Now I’m buying more things. He has good taste. If Helene hadn’t been a werewolf, she probably could have had any number of human boyfriends at her beck and call just for this asset alone. One problem at a time. First the library, then more food, then... well, then we’ll see what time it is and decide from there. <
I pulled out the Newcomer’s Guide and flipped open the
thin book
as I slowly walked. Three blocks is not that far but on the way I should at least be able to figure out
where is best to focus my efforts on
.
At least, that was my
plan
. I paused mid-step... drawn by a
window display
that caught my eye.
Despite my
determination
to head
straight to
the library.
"No... stop looking at it..."