Brindlesdale’s local library was dimly lit, with the only source of light coming from the tall windows, and the flickering of the candles on the tables. The air was filled with the musty, earthy smell of old books and worn bindings. The atmosphere was calm, almost eerie. Miriam was behind the counter, watching as the only other person in the library, an older gentleman, browsed the history section.

She moved her gaze down, only to become deep in her thoughts. The only sound that broke the stillness were the creaks of the wooden floor as the older gentleman shuffled through the books. Miriam’s fingertips were running over the spines, meticulously organizing them. She was organizing the new arrivals, her eyes dropping to the title page of the book she was shelving as the spine cracked.

The title was called “Illumiscent.” Miriam had been curious about the book, its pages filled with vivid illustrations, but she had never found the time to read it. Just before anything could happen, she looked up, making sure to move her hand to wave goodbye to the older gentleman.

Finally, after the sound of the door shutting, and the small bell ringing, sounded through the library, her gaze moved back down to the book. Suddenly, a small gust of wind broke through. Her hair lightly picked up, following in that direction. She moved her hand to catch her black locks, just for the pages of the book to start fluttering quickly. The words on the page started to blur, as she started to feel a strange pull coming from the book. At first, she thought it was just her imagination getting the better of her, but as she looked down, she started to witness something strange.

Her heart began to race, and her breath hitched as she watched the book, her gaze following the movement to a figure emerging from between the pages. It was a person. Miriams mouth gapped open, purely out of shock. She couldn’t believe someone had come out of the book.

She couldn’t help but stare, feeling as if she was seeing a mirage. Her mind was racing with questions, but her mouth was too dry to form words. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks, drowning her in a wave of heat as she continued to stare. Her eyes darted from the strange person’s face to her body. Her breathing became heavy as she tried to process what was happening. Miriam’s thoughts swam, unsure of whether to call for help, try and talk to the stranger, or run and hide.

With a shaky voice, she managed to utter, “Are you… from the book?” Miriam’s gaze dropped to the book, her eyes scanning the title once more before returning to the person. She licked her lips, feeling her mouth dry out as she waited for a response. Her body was tense, as if it was ready to flee at any second. She was afraid of what was happening, yet she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the stranger in front of her.

A gust of wind had come back, knocking the flames from a few of the lit candles around the library.

“H-How… are you here?” She asked, her mind so bewildered with the current events.