Facing the Books

There he was, sitting outside on the bench.  He knew what was going on inside was sure to disappoint. So rather than continuing to sit there and imagine the worst, he decided to walk in and face the situation.

Up the brick steps he went, fear evaporating more and more with each step he took. Hand on the door handle, he looked through the glass to see her. She stood talking to Albert. He pulled open the door and walked towards them. Their backs were turned to him as they talked facing the books. Before saying a word, the acceptance of all his fears settled his nerves, ready to be done with it.

            “Hi Eunice.”

            She did not turn.

            “Albert, how’s it going?”

            He didn’t turn either.

            “Hello?” Vince slowed his approach. He stopped. “Oy!”

            The two were no longer speaking. They stood silently and motionlessly, facing the books. Perplexed, Vince circled around to the front of them.

            “Shiiit,” he said as he looked at them. “No faces…”

            Albert and Eunice had only smooth skin where their eyes, noses, and mouths should be. He looked down at his watch quickly. 5:30pm. He’d just seen them in movement. They spoke only seconds before his approach.  He knew whatever had caused this wasn’t far away.

            Vince looked away from the books, back towards the door. He then walked in that direction. Then ran. He opened the door and got outside. Breathing heavily, he turned around to look back inside. There they were, still talking.

            He looked down at his watch again. 5:29pm.