It was nearing sunset when Rose found herself wandering the labyrinthine halls of the university library. She was still getting used to living alone for the first time, her parents had dropped her off at her new apartment only a few hours ago. Classes start in a couple weeks, and the other students were the only thing on her mind. Her shy nature makes interactions difficult for her, and most people seemed to pick up on that. Her new neighbors tried to say hi, but that turned out to be a catastrophic start to her new life.

Well… I guess I’m used to being alone anyway

if I can’t make friends here either…

This large ancient library was what Rose was looking forward to the most about her move, it was one of the big aspects of this campus that made her want to apply. Plus, this place being ages away from home was a bonus too. Rose had never left her boring hometown before, and she craved independence in the California city.

This would be her first time walking campus alone too, or walking alone in general really. Rose was a chronic homebody, and would always stay at her mother’s side when in public, but now that safeguard was long gone. Rose tentatively wandered through the vast and unfamiliar campus, her gaze fixed on the ground as if studying each step. She couldn't help but feel like an outsider, unsure of how to navigate the uncharted territory of college life.

Occasionally, she encountered fellow students who hurriedly passed by, engrossed in their own destinations. She hesitated to ask for directions, feeling a sense of self-consciousness and not wanting to appear lost. Instead, she relied on her instincts, following her intuition as she ventured deeper into the campus.

She passed by vibrant gardens, where students sat beneath leafy trees, engrossed in conversation or lost in the pages of their books. The sound of laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves. The sun cast dappled shadows on the ground, creating a serene atmosphere that calmed Rose's racing thoughts.

Finally, after what felt like a small adventure of its own, Rose caught sight of a towering building in the distance. Its elegant facade beckoned to her, a beacon of knowledge amidst the bustling campus. As she approached, the grandeur of the library became more apparent. Its tall windows reflected the sunlight, and the ornate carvings on the exterior hinted at the history behind the walls.

The library's origins could be traced back to the founding of the university itself hundreds of years ago. Rose entered through the sliding doors, and her eyes widening as she took in the magnificent architecture that surrounded her. Despite its age, the library had been thoughtfully modernized, seamlessly blending its historical charm with contemporary elements. As Rose stepped further inside, she marveled at the sweeping arches and high ceilings that stretched overhead. The walls, once holding ancient paintings, now showcased photographs and digital displays of campus events.

Though the library had undergone renovations, subtle remnants of its age remained. Traces of original stone walls peeked through where newer additions seamlessly merged. The original wooden bookshelves, worn and polished with time, stood side by side with sleek, modern shelves that housed an array of books and resources. The floor creaked beneath her feet, reminding her of the countless footsteps that had traversed these halls throughout the years.

She couldn't help but appreciate the careful balance between preserving the library's historical significance and incorporating modern amenities. It was a sanctuary that honored the past while embracing the needs of the present.

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After spending some time exploring the ground floor, Rose found herself standing in front of a set of gleaming elevator doors. She stepped inside and then hesitated for a moment, contemplating her next destination within the library. She looked at the array of buttons, each representing a different floor. Her eyes scanned the options, considering the possibilities. There were 6 different floors to choose from, one of them being a basement.

I wonder what could be down there…

Maybe that’s where they keep the older books

In the end, her curiosity got the better of her, and Rose pressed the button for the basement. She couldn't resist the allure.

The elevator hummed softly as it descended until it finally reached the basement level. The doors slid open, revealing a massive and dimly lit space with rows of shelves stretching into the shadows. The air felt cooler and slightly musty, adding to the mystique of the underground sanctuary. With a cautious yet excited step, Rose ventured into the basement, her eyes scanning the rows of books lining the shelves.

The flickering fluorescent lights above emitted a soft, eerie glow, casting an otherworldly ambiance on the surroundings. The low hum of the ventilation system seemed to echo through the room, amplifying the solitude of the basement floor. Rose also noticed the conspicuous absence of other students. Though the atmosphere may unnerve others, Rose was no stranger to the macabre. She had always been drawn to the darker side of things, and there was no real need to worry.

Sheesh… why do people always avoid places like this?

It’s not like monsters exist…

As Rose wandered, her eyes danced over the shelves filled with countless books, each containing stories and knowledge waiting to be discovered. She pulled countless books from the shelves and flipped through them, but none had really caught her attention yet. She hadn’t considered that most old books in a college library would be purely educational. Rose enjoyed things more on the fictional side, like thrillers or the paranormal. Surely there must be some section in this vast place that had what she was looking for. Hell, she’d even settle for a cliché old romance book at this point. Anything to keep her company.

Lost in her thoughts, Rose's feet carried her along the narrow aisles. She started pondering about the lighting in this place, and how disorienting it is to wander such a huge building. She had no clue where she was in relation to the elevator she had come from, it really did feel like a maze. You can’t really tell how much time has pa-

Oh shit.

Rose pulled out her phone and checked the time.

10:27pm

What? I’ve been here for five hours???

Frustrated, Rose shoved her phone into her back pocket and turned around. Now she has to tackle the task of trying to get out of here.

How long is this place even open??

The library in my town closed at 6…

I should have checked the times on the door

…… Are they closed already?

As if on queue, a bell rings through distant speakers, startling Rose out of her thoughts. A robotic voice follows.

“The library will be closed in 30 minutes”

Well, that answers that question…

Rose started backtracking, attempting to retrace her steps to the elevator, but the rows of bookshelves felt identical. After a few confused turns, Rose knew she was utterly lost. She glanced around in all different directions, trying to come up with a plan. To her left, there was a wall in the distance.

I guess I can just follow the outer wall until I get to the elevators…

Rose headed for the wall, glancing around at bookshelves as she passed by. She started to feel dizzy from the repeated visuals of book after book. She shook her head in an attempt to snap herself out of her haze. As she was readjusting, she saw a peculiar light in the corner of her eye.

Rose stopped in her tracks.

What was that?

She took a few steps backwards and peered down the aisle of shelves where the light had come from, and what she saw sparked her interest.