Famous last words

         I smiled blankly up at the adoring fan standing in front of me as I scribbled out my name and a few meaningless lines on a blank page in the front of the book. My book. I finished and handed it back to the young man. He gushed, “Thank you!” and hurried away. He was the last one of the day.

         I stood up, brushing off those still left waiting, pleading my hunger as to why I was leaving. It wasn’t entirely untruthful. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. I stuffed my things back in my bag, and slung it over my shoulder. I thanked the librarians and shook hands with them all, and walked through the door. The taxi was already waiting.

         As I opened the cab door, a voice called out behind me. “Sir, sir, would you sign this, please?”

         I was tempted to refuse, but I saw the photographer out of the corner of my eye. I sighed and turned, flashing the smile that was now almost second nature. “Sure!” I pulled a pen and scribbled my name again, along with one of my stock phrases. I gave my pen one last flourish and handed the book back, making some inane comment. The girl beamed, thanking me profusely.

         The photographer’s flashbulb went off, and I blinked the afterimages away. I smiled at everyone, and flung myself into the cab. As we pulled away from the curb, I shook my head. I probably just made that girl the happiest she’s ever been, I thought in disgust. I asked myself why I did this, although I already knew the answer. I had made a promise to myself, that I would never become so big that I forgot where I came from. I promised myself that I would never become toofamous.