Overdue

A librarian gives a stubborn patron a ride home in a snowstorm. W/C: 300

“Jesus, Mike!” Sarah exclaimed, the enormous library doors burst open. “Why?!”

“Sorry!” Mike, on his bicycle with a basket full of books, parked just inside the library opening.

“Did you seriously ride your bike on the snowiest day of the year to…” She paused, “let me get this straight. Return some books?”

“Eh, the roads weren’t bad when I left. Figured someone had to check up on the sole librarian.”

Sarah scoffed, “Okay. Well, bring them here.”

*boop* Sarah scanned the first book.

“You can’t ride your bike home.”

“No?”

Sarah’s gaze pinned Mike to the wall. “No.” *boop*

“I think -“

“No. Your grandmother would kill me.”

*boop* *boop*

“These books are 8 weeks late Mike. You live 5 minutes away. Why didn’t you just - ”

*boop*

“Yeah, sorry.”

*boop*

“Let’s just get out of here before the storm picks up.” She grabbed her coat and switched off the lights.

The two shuffled through the freshly stacked snow. “I can’t even see your tracks anymore. This is bad.”

“Legend has it you hate driving in the snow.”

“Talking to my mom again Mike?”

“Of course. I love your Mom!” The truck door shut behind them.

“Are books really why you're here? Late fees?”

“Yeah, you know how Grandma is. Says I’m worth my weight in gold but can’t use me to pay late fees.”

Sarah’s truck lost traction, sending them spinning into the middle of the road.

“Put it in low, I’ve got this.” She did.

Mike limped the truck off the road, and dialed the transportation department, requesting a plow.

“Well, that was terrifying,” Sarah laughed shakily.

“Are you okay?”

Sarah steadied herself. “Mike, for real this time.”

“I saw the forecast. I’ve watched you white-knuckle past my house every winter."

"Besides, those weren't even my books.”