Siren Song

By Mona Lott

“Are you sure you won’t take me?” Joni asked her mom.

“Nah. You’ll have to take the bus.” 

Joni watched her mom put on lipstick and spray her hair, then Joni turned and walked toward the front door. She didn’t open the door right away but stood, looking out the glass. Heavy clouds promised rain. She put her hand into the pocket of her jacket and rubbed a piece of cotton between her fingers. She had carefully sewn the last piece of her childhood blanket into her pocket where no one would see. 

Over her shoulder was a bag with a single, heavy book in it.

It’s time, she thought. Joni knew she would need to hurry to catch the next bus, but she paused another moment before opening the door and going out.

*        *       *

Joni got off the bus in front of a dilapidated county building and paused on the sidewalk. She took the book out of the bag, exhaled slowly, and walked into the building. In the middle of the main room was a large, wooden desk. As Joni approached, a woman behind the desk looked up at her, eyebrows raised.

“You finally found it, huh?” She took the book from Joni.

“How much do I owe?”

“Six dollars and thirty-five cents.” Joni put the exact amount on the desk and turned around. She felt her cheeks flush as she walked toward the door. She would never get into this mess again. In fact, she would never check out a book from the library again. Then, almost to the front door, she saw something out of the corner of her eye sitting on a display shelf: “The Code Book: the secrets behind codebreaking”. Woah. “Adapted for young adults.” She turned toward the book. Well, . . . maybe just once more.