Daily Writing Challenge, Day 9

Biblioteca Casa de la Luna had an impressive collection of books, the sort that one would associate with politically powerful towns like Palaclete y Fortín or economically emergent ones like Riocanto. Consequently, it was the sort of library one would not associate with Huerto Viejo, a town so physically and culturally similar to departmental capital Riocanto that most people from other regions treated Huerto Viejo as a subdivision of the capital.

And yet, past eight years of age, Celia had never felt comfortable visiting. It had baffled her parents, who knew her to be happiest when locked in her room reading.

“Because I can feel it,” said Celia softly, as she and Nieves approached the library. [Celia is referring to the library’s magic, which Don Saúl concedes but which she can sense anyway.]

Nieves nodded. Her eyes shined with curiosity, but she didn’t ask any questions. Celia knew it was a good decision to ask her old friend to come with her today.

They climbed down the stairs built into the ground of Huerto Viejo, to a lower level. Above them, a rickety metallic bridge connected two sides of the street, and in front of them, nestled within a hollow under the local park, was Biblioteca Casa de la Luna.

Originally written 4.17.2024