I may or may not be fine when y’all are reading this. I really am totally not a fan of technology–especially computer stuff. I’ve learned a little bit along the way but frankly, teaching new tricks to this old dog is something of a waste of time. It’s hard. Even with written instructions. Anyway, just in case I’m still elbow-deep in the set-up and tranfer, I’m preprogramming this because I know y’all anxiously await your snippet each week. Today’s prompt is: *”I hope you’re happy.”*

****
The flashlight beam bounced as Aisling’s hand shook, cutting wild swathes across the floor, walls, and ceiling . Something clicked behind her and a moment later the buzz of florescent lights hummed before the space was flooded.

She gasped and the flashlight clattered to the stone floor as her lifeless fingers loosened. “Who would do this?” Aisling threw up her hands, staring around the room in dismay. Books and papers were scattered higgledy-piggledy on every surface.

Ariel carefully toed a book with his boot. He flinched when Aisling slapped his arm.

“Don’t do that!” The angry librarian crouched and touched the book with a reverent finger. “It’s okay,” she crooned to it as she gathered it up and carefully smoothed a page before closing the book.

Thought he steadied her as she stood, Ariel’s attention focused on the book. The faded letters embossed on the cover shimmered. He backed up a step. “Aisling, put it down.”
Her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. He could almost feel her testiness. “This is a valuable book.”

“Maybe but it’s also dangerous. Please, put it down.”

Her brows knit together and her lips turned down in a frown. “Wh—?” She didn’t get the word out before flames licked along the edges of the book. With a high-pitched scream, Aisling threw the book at him. He didn’t catch it.

“Fine,” she sniffed. “You were right. I hope you’re happy.”

“Do I look like I’m happy?” He wisely hid the smirk forming on his lips, especially when he recognized the sadness lurking beneath the frustration she displayed.

Aisling simply stood for a moment, then turned a slow circle. Taking in the chaos, tears threatened. Her voice hitched as she said, “I don’t understand.”

Ariel didn’t understand either but he now had ideas. “I’ll help you clean up.”
****

The mystery continues. FYI, just to tease a bit, before the new computer, I’d been working on some Bran scenes. I’ll continue those once I’m up and running again. 🤞🏼 In the meantime, writers, you know what to do. Readers? What’s made you happy today?