Three Years Ago

The Cryptozoologist

I open the door gingerly, magazine tucked under my arm.  This building is new to me, I'm not entirely sure where I am.  Ah, the common room.  This is what I was looking for.  But there's already someone here, one of the residents.  She glances up as I slide into the dark room.  I claim a chair near the door and sit in silence, watching the end of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with this college girl I've never met.

Joel had wanted a chance to talk to Swaagh, so he asked me if I minded adjourning for a bit.  I didn't.  He said there was a short story I should read, so he gave it to me, along with directions to the common room.  I'm always happy to read, so I came willingly.

Soon, the credits roll and she sits up to switch on the lamp.  She collects her dvd and smiles at me as she leaves.  I get up and take the vacated place on the couch.  It's wonderfully squishy.  Holding The New Yorker under the light, I find my place and settle in to read The Cryptozoologist for the first time.