Esther's POV
The boy just stood there, staring. His mouth hung open a little. He looked like he'd seen a ghost, or like I'd grown a second head. Weird kid. Maybe the heat was getting to him.
"Boy?" I said, snapping my fingers in front of his face. "Hello? Can you attend to me so I can move? I have other deliveries to make. My family's waiting."
He blinked, hard, as if waking up. A deep blush spread across his cheeks. "S-sorry. I… here." He took the stack of books from my arms. His hands were shaking.
"Sign here, please," I said, holding out the electronic pad, my voice all business. I needed to get out of here. This awkward silence was prickling my skin.
He scribbled something, not looking at me. "Remember to return them by the due date," I added, taking the pad back. Standard library script.
"Do you… work at the library?" he asked suddenly, his eyes searching my face again. There was a strange, hopeful intensity in them. It made me want to take a step back.
