4. Calliope
Calliope
It's been the kind of week that makes me truly appreciate my job.
We hosted a vibrant book club for middle-school-aged children who'd selected Anne of Green Gables .
Watching them discuss one of my favorite childhood reads with such enthusiasm filled my heart with joy, and reminded me that the world can be a delightful place sometimes.
We received generous book donations, allowing us to expand certain sections and replace worn-out books barely held together with tape and dreams. A knitting group that meets in our conference room surprised me with a beautifully crafted multicolored scarf as a welcoming gift for being the new librarian.
I couldn't help but tear up a little at their thoughtfulness.
To top off a truly fantastic week, Saturday has arrived, and it's my first book club meeting at Clara's tonight.
I've just finished The Kraken's Omega . I listened to part of it as an audiobook while at the Café, and the barista handed me my drink during a particularly steamy scene involving Kraken alphas, their tentacles, and their omega.
I'm sure I turned bright red before scurrying away as fast as possible.
Everything's going well until midday, when Tyler, the assistant librarian and a beta, approaches me with a shaken expression.
He leads me back to one of the stacks where books are piled on the ground.
As I approach, I realize they've all been vandalized with thick black marker and pages have been torn out.
As I sift through them, I discover that each one is considered "controversial" in certain political circles.
But really, they're just beautiful stories of diversity.
It hurts my heart that someone feels the need to take away the community's access to stories simply because they themselves don't want to read them.
We don't have security cameras, and we might need them.
Although I'd rather spend the funds acquiring more books or hosting more children's programs.
"Did you see who did this?" I ask Tyler.
"No. I think one person came in around noon, but they were wearing baggy sweatpants and a hooded sweater, so I couldn't see their face.
They weren't very tall, so I don't think it was an alpha.
But beyond that, I don't know." With his limited scent abilities as a beta, he wouldn't be able to tell if the person was another beta or even an omega
I nod, gather up the books, and take them back.
It seems silly to cry over books, but a place I was beginning to love and care for has been invaded and vandalized.
It feels like a personal attack in some ways.
I call the police and report the crime. They say they'll send an officer to gather evidence.
It's my day to leave early, but I feel reluctant to go. Tyler assures me there's nothing I can do and encourages me to leave it to him. So, I gather my things and head out the door, vowing to enjoy myself at the book club and not let what's happened ruin my week.