#cat pathway

The weather is hot and humid. I don't usually leave the house on a day like this, nor do I want to, but I want to visit the Quinlin Library today. Taking my usual route would lessen my time in this horrible atmosphere. Unfortunately, the road repairs are still under way. I feel as though going through the park would be like steamer closed trapped within an oven. That's not a favorable setting to enter.

8:55 Am flashed on the screen of my alarm clock. I lay on my sides, staring abesntmindly at my bookshelf. Its height reaches my bedroom ceiling and no shelf was left empty. Each book were my trophies and reminder of a world I have long visited or conquered over the years. Staring at them give me a great sense of ease.

But then I noticed a book lying on my desk.

The book cover was completely blank from back to front. They’re no designs nor letters on the covers. Not even the spine held a single figure or letter. If I were an artist. The urge to color this blank canvas would be powerful. If I remember, this was a gift from that girl.

The girl I met in the park, the one in the white dress.

I recalled that there weren't many people in the park due to the weather and she stood at the park entrance. She was like a ghost, a ghost that was close to me in age. From head to toe she was completely claded in white. A plain white sun-dress, sandals, and rose pattern headband. Her skin was ghostly pale and her hair was a faded blonde. The only darker color that stood out on her body were her eyes. They reminded me of the first time I saw the ocean, blue and crystal clear.

In a voice so soft, even softer than Lu, she asked me for directions. It took some time for the girl to speak  clearly. She was shy and I was patient, so I did not rush her. Much to my surprise, she asks for direction to Quinling's Library. In my account, I found it much more easier to escort her than telling her since, I too, am heading there. So I offer her to join me in which she gladly accepted.

My town is not big, but medium sized, yet the girl stuck close to me as though she was afraid we get separated in some huge crowd. I did not voice my discomfort of this degree of closeness as I did not want to run the risk of upsetting her.

The journey was made is silence. Half way through, I realize I never got the girl’s name. When I asked, again, I am a patient person. It took some time combined with a few ear-straining moments, but I soon discover that her name was Alice Rosewater. Not long after that, we arrived at the library.

Once we entered. I notice Lu was busy unpacking books from a box. He noticed us, but he didn't look up or stopped his unpacking. He gave a low, polite "Good Afternoon" then moved on to the next box.

I explained to Lu why I had company with this visit. Alice gave a soft "Hello". Lu returned it with a "Hi".

I had hoped to read today now that my escort service was completed, but Lu had other plans for me apparently. Lu requested some help with unpacking the boxes. Alice asked if she could help as well. Lu didn't have anything against it, so he agreed to let her help as well. For an hour Alice, Lu, and I unpacked boxes after boxes of books. Lu told that they were "Donated" books from the town's people. There were a lot of old books. Time-to-time we would find new books or fairly used books.

In the end. We finally finished.

As a reward for the help. Lu allowed us to take any book we like. The limit was five book each person. I found a three book mystery trilogy. Something tells me Lu have read this series already. I bet he's quite eager to discuss this series with me once I'm finished. The glee in his eyes nags at me, telling me so. Alice on the other hand, took four books. One was a Light Fiction novel and the other two were Fantasy. As for the fourth book.

She gave it to me, as a Thank you gift. Three days have gone by after that day and I never saw Alice after that.

The time on the alarm clock now flashed 9:03 Am. I ran my fingertips along the book's spine before opening it.

"Paw Prints in The Rain: The Tale of A White Cat" Was the book’s title.

"Alice Rosewater" Was the Author.

Today’s weather is cloudy. The school looks dull and dreary even the atmosphere seems to match the look. Every person has some negative opinion about this kind of setting, but, I find it calming to say the least. It’s nice to be wrapped in peace and quite.

I often find myself in high places on days like these. I don’t know why, I just do. Today’s location is the school roof. Looking out through the metal fence, I can see the town so perfectly. The school has its advantage being built on a hill.

Everything is so quiet, so peaceful, it feels as though every person in the town has vanished only leaving me. Whenever this silence surrounds me, even though I'm awake, I enter that pure white world once again. This world of mine never cease with its surprises. Today my feline friends aren't here. The world took on a monochromatic version of my town. There were no people as far as I could see.

    I never had the urge to explore my world as it was always nothing but a blank piece of paper. It made no sense for me to lose my sense of direction and panic if I decided to wander around. Instead I chose the wises decision and stay'd put till I left. Today was going to be different, curiosity got the better of me.

If this mono copy of my town is supposed to be an exact replica of the town, then I'll see everything where it should be. This world is filled with surprises so it might be the opposite.

Leaving other thoughts aside, I noticed I stood at the very center of a fourway road. A strong force of habit wanted me to go to the right, west, the direction of the library, but I went against it. Something wanted me, it felt like it was beckoning me so I went downwards, to the south.

I arrived at the black and white imitation this is the town park. It's the buzzing social area of the town. Never thought one day I wouldn't see a single soul in this bee's nest of social interaction. The gate was partly open so I quickly went inside.

I did not see a single bird or butterfly while strolling through the area. The hollows of the park tree's didn't even have a single squirrel. A good amount of time went by as I investigated the park's surrounding for any signs of animal and bug life. Seeing that there is nothing here left to examine I started off to the park second entrance, the exit in my case.

I was a few feet away when I spotted something moving by the park exit. I would be able to better identify it if it wasn't for the fact that the thing blended with this mono setting. Maybe there is nothing there, my eyes could be fooling me. Won't know until I find out it seems.

Slowly approaching the gate, I got a better look at the moving entity at the gate. It was laughable actually. Perched in front of the gate, now looking at me, was completely white cat. The feline gave a soft mew before making its way towards me. The creature rubbed against my leg in an affectionate manner, then ran into the park.

I wanted to follow it, but I was snapped back into reality by the sound of the school bell. It was time to resume class, but I wasn't so ethusiastc about it. I wanted to hold onto that familiar feeling when I am in my world, just for a bit longer. I only sighed as I gather my stuff and headed towards the roof entrance door.

Looking over my shoulder. I was that white cat once again

"I'll be waiting" said a voice. Was it that of the cat?

The pure white creature faded before my eyes and I headed towards my class.

   The Quinlin’s Library is run by a young-old duo. Lott Quinlin, a 63 year old man and his youngest grandson, Lu Quinlin, age 23. Mr. Lott is the owner and manager of Quinlin’s Library. He is rather fond of me since I’m a frequent visitor. Mr. Lott tends to offer me hard candies on certain occasions when I visit. For example, rainy or windy days, other times would be when his family finally visits him. The candies are a little bitter, but I’ve never once turned him down on his offer. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings or feel as though I’m being rude. Although the candies are bitter Mr. Lott eats them as though they were the sweetest thing in the world. I will never understand the taste buds of the old until I’ve finally become one.  But in the end, I’ve grown to love those bitter little yellow treats.

Mr. Lott is Quite a bright and energetic man, despite his old age. I would  be lying if I didn’t say he had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. He grew so fond of me that he came around to calling me “Little Bookworm”, a nickname that’s a bit cliche, but I find it rather endearing.

As a child growing up I never once meet my grandfather only my grandmother. My grandfather passed away two months before my birth, so it’s natural I never meet him. Though I have never met him I’ve heard he was a bright, well-loved man. My time spent with Mr. Lott at the library makes wonder if my grandfather did leave. Mr. Lott is a grandfather himself. He is the grandfather I’ve failed to meet. A kind man he is.  I do hope he lives a long, well-deserved life.

  Lu Quinlin is Mr. Lott’s third  and youngest grandson. He would take Mr. Lott’s place watching the library, since age often catches up with his grandfather. Lu and Mr. Lott are like the sun and the moon. Lu is quite and keeps to himself sometimes. He comes off as a dull person that prefers to be by himself. Mr. Lott calls him “No feet” or “Ghost” since Lu tends to move around the library like air, quiet and unnoticeable. He is the opposite of his grandfather. Ignoring he differences, Lu and I get along quite well. Being the co-manager of the library, he is quite fond of books. Within a few interactions and a few ear-straining sessions I discovered he is a fan of mystery novels. Lu has even recommended a few for me to read. Once you’ve read a mystery novel that Lu gave you. He can speak with you for hours about it and for once you can actually hear his voice clearly.

    I cherish my interactions with Mr. Lott and Lu. They make the library a even more precious place to me.

   Today, I have new guests to keep me company.

They sat side-by-side looking up where a night sky has formed in my world. The world still remained white and empty beside this beautiful starry sky that formed over head. I felt an overwhelming sense of calmness as I looked at the Moon and Sun float side by side. My visitors felt the same, that young and old feline duo....

Abruptly awakening to the sound of my alarm. I took a moment to realize I've return back to reality. The lights of the morning sun rested on the back of my hand. It was at that moment I realize that it was morning.

                "The sun and the moon, huh..."

I can hear the ticking of a clock in the distance as I stood in the middle of a pure white world. My only company came in the form of a simple black cat. I guess the only color in this world besides me, maybe more like a dot then a cat to be more precise.

I’ve came to this world many times in the past. The only change that occurred was the appearance of this cat, for quite some time it has been coming here, waiting for me. I never knew the symbolism of this feline being here nor do I bother to find out. I do not mind its presence here at all.

  While lost’d in though the sounds of the distant clock grew in volume as though it was approaching me and my feline companion. As we stood there, staring of in the distance the sound grew quite loud. I had to urge to cover my ears to block out the ticking but, it seems I had no need for that. I felt like the invisible clock read my mind and stopped it’s assault on my ears. Tossing a glance downwards, it seems the cat was not affected by the current event.

 What a strange creature, I thought, before the once white world turned pitch black. I was in mild shock, this have never once happen before, another change? Due to the darkness, I was unsure if my four-legged companion was still here. After all, this kind of condition is perfect for it to perform a grade A camouflage. Luckily a soft mew from the feline confirmed it was still here.

  The endless darkness did not last long as a path of light of opened up beneath our feet.  It seemed my friend was eager to see what lied in wait at the end as it was the first to take of in a sprint. I stood there, unwilling to move. A good two feet away, the feline halted in it’s tracks. It turned to face me, ‘Follow’ was what I though the creature would say if it could speak human words. ‘Hurry and follow me.’

  In the end, I couldn't follow the cat as I was jerk back into reality by the ringing sound of the school bell. I struggled to rise my tired form from my desk as I try to keep the fading fragments of my dream in my memory. I sat at my desk in silence as I watched the rest of my classmates exit the classroom some by groups others loners. I waited till not a single soul besides mines resided in the classroom. With nothing particular in mind, I packed up my stuff and headed out. There were a few students lingering in the hall but I payed them no mind.

 Upon Leaving the school grounds. I immediately set fourth to my sanctuary, the old library, Quinlin’s Library. I was in no rush to return to home so I’ll spend a little more time there today.

 Imagine yourself in one specific library. An old library that has been part of your neighborhood’s history for such a long time. The dust lining the books and shelves being proof to that.

  You've been coming to this particular library many times. You immerse yourself in these ancient books covered in time and hidden away. Your usual spot being in the back section of the library. A place that doesn't receive much to any visitors, a place almost forgotten, almost untouched. It was the only area with the longest row of books you've ever seen. Yet time did not waste covering this area with it’s touch of dust and webs but yet, despite it looks, you claimed this area as your own.

   The books back here where the dustiest. You couldn't even read the titles on most of them without wiping away a film of dust, but that never deterred you to journey back here. After all, this was your world, a world filled words, words that wanted to be read so they can leave the past and finally enter the present.

   You even had a door way that invited other beings to your world made of words.

  At the far left end of this book aisle, there is a spot that held no books. Despite the lack of books, t didn't mean you weren't greeted by a frequent welcomed guest. To it, you were more of a welcomed guest then it ever was to you.

   In that spot, there was a window above where the empty shelf resided. As the day goes on, stuck in the ever moving flow of time that Father Time himself created. Light would always poured through that small window. One might think that some divine being would descend into this world. Maybe it already had, after all It always came to greet you by using the doorway made of light and using the shelf as it’s footing.

       This beautiful black cat that sat perched on the empty shelf.

       Always waiting to come and greet you by this special pathway.