Can Cats Eat Octopus? Chapter 2
AN: I'm back! So yeah know nowadays this would be perfect opportunities to update a lot more, except I've been pretty busy with college and stuff lol!
Though I am very happy to present you guys the next chapter! However before we begin I feel as though I need to discuss that yes, Neko is a stalker and is indeed a yandere obsessed! Do I condone these actions? Heck no! Stalking is wrong and what she does to find more about Karma is very not okay!
This is all just for the plot and story and is for fun to write cause it's interesting to make a character like this!
Hope you all enjoy and remember I don't own Assassination Classroom as it belongs to Yusei Matsui! I only own Neko! Also an OC that appears in this chapter is owned by one my bestest friends who let me use them! Thank you my dear friend!
Enjoy! Thank you for reading!
/
Humming to myself I wiped the table in front of me that had a bit of a food mess all over it. The used dishes were all stacked together in the tray that sat on the booth belonging to the table I was cleaning.
I was making sure the wood of the surface was as polished and nice that I could see my own reflection. My hair showing very much on the surface, even in a low ponytail, with my ears tucked tightly in the maid bonnet hat I had to wear, that of course matched the maid uniform I was wearing. It was a standard black and white maid dress that reach just above our knees with a red ribbon tied to the collar.
I gotta admit, I looked really cute! Kinda weird, but cute. Though it is also kind of weird when I would catch someone staring at me for a long time, but like the cafe rule book said, 'you gotta be overly sweet to all customers! Unless they do something that crosses the line.'
Plus this was my second job, and while I liked working at the grocery store a lot more with Yua and Takeshi, this one paid much more and it can be a lot of fun too at times.
My ears suddenly twitched however when I heard the sound of the entrance opening, signaling a new customer had arrived. Putting on my work smile I looked over to where they came in and said the standard greeting, "Welcome to Maid Café Black and White, mas-!" I immediately froze when I saw the costumer looked like he had crimson red hair, piercing orange eyes, and a lazed smirk that looked like the devil walked in but to me he wasn't frightening, he was handsome. It was Karma!
'No! No no no! He couldn't be here! I'm way to far away from that train station he goes to!' My thoughts raged while I shook my head with my eyes close not believing already what I saw. When I looked back at 'Karma' I saw that was just a figment of my imagination.
The customer that walked in looked nothing like the boy who saved me... This guy had black hair that almost looked like it had a greenish tint in the lighting, round glasses that the shine made it hard to see his eyes, and wearing a school uniform that consisted of a gray suit jacket with matching gray pants. A black tie over a white dress shirt and black shoes.
I recognize this customer! He's a regular here and a member with a membership card. I think his name is Takebayashi... I'm not too certain cause I don't really serve him often when he comes here since his favorite café workers were Seki and Kumiko.
Speaking of which, my two coworkers immediately went to him and greeted him happily. Calling him master and bringing him to the table they worked at. The boy looked thoroughly happy. Which isn't a surprise since they were, like I mentioned in the last paragraph, his favorite. I have a few regular customers that liked me at their service which was fine cause it means I got a bigger tip then usual! And heaven knows I needed the money.
But when I looked away from Seki, Kumiko, and Takebayashi, I stared at my wrist that held the rag I was using to clean the table... I had a couple wraps around my wrist since it was the same wrist that that drunk man grabbed last week. It's been a week since the incident, and while the bruising where he grabbed me was a purplish yellow, it didn't hurt unless I used a lot of pressure on it.
I don't even wanna imagine what would happen if Karma didn't save me...
"Karma..." I whispered when that name popped into my head again. I can't even go one hour without something happening to me to make me thinking of that red head and honestly, I might be going insane!
What just happened with Takebayashi and me seeing Karma instead of him wasn't the first time. I'll just be walking down the sidewalk or doing a normal shift at my works and then, BAM! I see someone as him, or he suddenly is right next to me in line for the train, or coming out of my neighbor's apartment building even though I know there was supposed to be an old lady only living there!
I said I wanted to know more about him, but that was right before I realized, I don't have social media to look for his name... Or even a cell phone.
But I have tried waiting for him at that train station, yet throughout the whole week of me trying to catch a glimpse of him, I've only seen him once and he was just getting on the train! I've become obsessed and I don't know why?!
It's like I have to see to feel that 'completeness' I felt when we first met and not seeing or knowing anything else about him is driving me insane!
Man I need to be out into a mental asylum...
"Excuse me, miss. Could I get a tall coffee please?" A voice said behind me all of sudden that spooked me! I literally let out a squeak in surprise with my hair and ears I could feel puff up.
It sounded kinda like a guys voice, so after a moment of regaining my bearings since I've zoned out almost a page's worth, I quickly acted like the maid girl I was supposed to be and smiled turning to him, "of course, mas-." I paused though when I saw it wasn't a him though, but a girl I immediately recognized who obviously faked a man's voice! "Akane! What are you doing here?!" I squealed hugging the familiar face.
Akane Kurenai was like my best friend even though we've only known each other for about a year. She had long magenta hair that always framed her face and beautiful amethyst like eyes! She was wearing a black skirt with some thigh high socks underneath her favorite high tops on and she had an oversized tan hoodie making me think she was just out currently shopping or something.
She hugged me back chuckling, "can't I make sure my girl is safe in such a..." She partially let me go to look around the café like she was a cautious spy, then glanced back to me serious, "dangerous place." She whispered but her smile at the end made me laugh knowing she was only joking.
"Akane I'm fine! This is a safe place. Plus you're the one who helped me get this job~." I assured letting her go but she gave me an 'I don't believe you' look then rolled her eyes shaking her head.
"Yeah tell that to the customers who won't stop staring at you or the other maid workers like a piece of meat."
Tilting my head I got a little confused by the analogy she made, "um but we aren't meat? So why would they stare at us like one? Plus why would they even be staring at meat in the first place if it's raw?" She had some weird phrases that I never really understood.
Her purple eyes widened as she hugged me again tightly, "oh my innocent best friend! Please never get your innocence tainted!" She cried out making all my coworkers and the few customers in the café look at us. My coworkers were used this though since this was a normal thing that happened when Akane came to visit. Plus as long as she was paying for all the food she ordered, my manager and them didn't care what she did.
Shaking my head, I removed her arms from me fixing my bonnet to make sure my ears didn't pop out. Not even Akane knew what I was, and I just want to keep it like that since I didn't want to lose her or have her call me a freak. "I'll try not to let that happen Akane. Don't know how it would be tainted anyways." I giggled, though I saw she was staring at something close to my head. Immediately I worried she saw my ears!
But soon as I let go of my bonnet, her hands took one of mine, which was the hand that was wrapped around with gauze on the wrist part. Uh oh...
"Neko..." She slowly said looking at up at me, "what happened?"
Taking my hand back to rub my wrist subconsciously, I tried avoiding her Violet eyes and bit my lip with a fang. "Uh well it's a long story... I'm okay though don't worry! It's just a little bruised that's all!"
"And how did you bruise it exactly?" She asked once more and I could feel my ears going flatter against my head. I didn't want to lie to her because she's my best friend and I don't like lying, but I knew if I didn't go into the full details she would probably get ready to fight someone!
Quickly, I grabbed my tray of dirty dishes then trying to give Akane my best assuring grin which I'm sure wasn't assuring. "I'll uh get you your usual first! Same thing you want by the way? An order of yakitori, with some sushi too, apple juice, a side order of little mint chocolate chip ice cream and tapioca pudding?"
"Neko..."
I don't know why I was scared to tell her... Maybe cause I was also worried she wouldn't like Karma. I still don't know why when even his name comes to mind my heart gets that feeling to see him again and I feel incomplete again, where only I know he can complete me.
"Maid cafe to Neko!"
Turning my head up to Akane who looked even more worried then before, I just giggled and began walking to the staff only kitchen room, looking back at her one more time, "don't worry! I'll tell you on my break! Just sit tight and I'll be back soon." I told her walking into the swinging door where the chef was.
Setting the try down at the dirty dishes station I walked over to Mrs Motsu who was our chef and smiled at the kind older woman who's worked here for so long. She was like a grandmother to all the Cafe girls who worked here. "Hi Mrs Motsu! Akane is here so I'm gonna need her usual if you got it please."
She looked up from the Soba she was making with a smile, which got wider when I mentioned Akane was here. "Oh I knew that girl was gonna be here! I luckily just stocked up on all the tapioca I needed and I'll be done in a few! She's always got such a big appetite in that little frame of her's. You both do!"
I laughed going back to the dish washing station. When I didn't want to go out there yet, and when I had a few minutes to myself before my break, I would just wash the dishes for Mrs Motsu to bypass the time.
It's funny how much things can change in a year like Akane's and I friendship. We haven't known each other that long but she's one of the closest people I know outside of my family. Which is ironic considering when we met it wasn't the best of ways to meet someone.
When I just moved out and into my apartment, in like the first week I had to find a job though it was difficult since I was only 14. But it was part of the deal I made with Mother so I looked all around the city. And when I was walking one day to my next interview a water balloon filled with shaving cream, ketchup and orange paint came flying through the air and hit my face!
I was the accidental target for a prank she was pulling.
Akane goes to a very prestigious all girls school, and while she's the top student in the school, her high grades with a rich mom lets her get away with a lot of things. Though while she may be top student she's not stuck up at all! She hates the girls who are actually like that, so she pranks them all the time, yet I was at the wrong place at the wrong time...
But she felt really bad that I got paint, shaving cream and ketchup on the kisser! Also that I missed my interview. I chuckled remembering how so confused I was then how panicked Akane was when she realized it wasn't those snotty girls she got. The paint and ketchup got all over my hair that wasn't covered by the hat I was wearing that day. She immediately payed for hair repairs at this salon which luckily was a trim and cutting a couple strands.
Ironically I liked the orange so much in my hair that after that I bought some orange dye and made the streaks I have now! Then after that accident, she bought me a meal and told me about this maid cafe since she was good friends with the owner my now boss! Not only am I grateful for her helping me get this first job but after that she was trying to make up for pranking me and we instantly became great friends!
"Neko here you go!"
I squealed surprised again dropping the plate I was washing on the floor shattering it. Panicking I quickly bent down and picked up the pieces throwing them away. "Ack! Oh no! I'm so sorry Mrs Motsu! That's the 5th plate I broke-"
"Oh sweetie it's okay! We're pretty used to it. Now here you go, here's all of Kurenai's food. You just take your break since you've been out of it all day." Mrs Motsu said while I finished cleaning up my mess, looking up at her with a nervous chuckle.
"Oh... Yeah..." Getting back up on my feet, I gladly the circular tray she was handing to me with all the dishes. Yet there was actually a strawberry milkshake and some taiyaki too! Some food she was giving me to eat on my break since I love her cooking. This time I was extra careful carrying all of these plates walking into the main area of the cafe.
Looking around I still saw Takebayashi still be catered to by Seki and Kumiko then noticed a few other customers being cared by more coworkers of mine. I finally found Akane in the back on her phone probably playing a game or something. Walking over to her she noticed me coming by and her smile got big, especially seeing all the food I brought.
I set down all of her plates and the glass of apple juice in front of Akane where she immediately began eating the yakitori. I can tell she was hungry!
Sitting in front of her on the other side of the booth, I began eating my taiyaki happily enjoying the yummy fish shaped pastry! This fish was made to perfection as I took my bite to it from the side of its shape.
"Alright Neko, spill it! What happened to you and your wrist?!" I nearly choked at the sudden question, I really need to stop getting so spooked, I was honestly hoping that she had forgotten about it though...
Taking a gulp from my food, I brought my milkshake closer to awkwardly sip it looking at anywhere but my best friend. "Uuuuhhhh weeeell it happened like last week so I kinda don't remember the full details!" I made the excuse shifting my ears back and gnawing on my straw.
Till suddenly the smell of a delicious beautiful bite of sushi wafted close to me nose. I looked slowly to see that it was Akane who waved the gorgeous sushi in front of my face slowly in her chopsticks with a devious smile. "Mmmm look Neko~. Sushi~. I think this will jog your memory. If you tell me I'll give you half of my plate~."
No! I must resist! I know this woman and she would get so crazy and protective if she found out what happened! But like... It's fish! No resist!
"Oh I think this one is tuna~."
Dang it!
"Gimme that fish you crazy woman I'll tell you!" I demanded pounding my hands on the table making people look at us like we were crazy. Chuckling nervously, I sunk in my seat embarrassed but squealed when Akane handed me my half of the sushi plate with a napkin holding them.
I took one with my fingers and ate it humming in delight so happy! This was so yummy!
"Alright spill the potato beans. What happened?"
I sighed finished eating that one sushi, then gently poked the next fish with my nail looking at the rap around my wrist. But I smiled a little remembering that beautiful image of Karma when he saved me. "Well it happened after my break back at my other work."
And thus for the next 10 minutes I told her what happened that day at the alley. About the drunk man and how he was so intoxicated that he smelt so bad, then how he grabbed my wrist saying he needed help, but then when I got to the part of Karma I swirled my strawberry milkshake thinking of how the reddish pink reminded me of his red hair. I told her how he saved me and then when Takeshi came in with Yua to take me away while they called the police to take care of the drunk man. I specifically left out the part where I followed Karma at the train station.
I watched Akane's face though carefully as she had so many emotions going across it. From worry, to relief, then to anger finally. "What a son of a-" she immediately clamped her hand over her mouth I guess trying not to cuss loudly but I can tell by her wide angry eyes she was thinking a lot of them! "I am going to track that man down and shove a very very large watermelon up the hole of which he- argh!"
I laughed and finished the last of her bribe food, shaking my head, "Akane I'm fine though! Yua told me that the police came and he went to the ambulance. I had to tell what happened to the police officers at my next shift and I let it go! Honestly, if it wasn't for Karma I don't... Wanna know what he would've done to me..." I mumbled trying to block out the memories that were trying to come back.
Feeling two hands clasp mine, I looked up at Akane who may still be angry but she had a kind smile, "I'm glad your safe Neko. Even though I don't particularly like the idea of a psychotic sounding sadist being the one who saved you... Okay never mind I would also smash a bottle over anyone who tried to taint your innocence, and do to them a few other things." She said so casually like it was normal leaning back in her seat and drinking her juice.
Laughing more at her as I ate another bite of taiyaki humming contently. "Well I mean he doesn't seem that psychotic... He looked nice and he saved me even if that wasn't his intent. Plus he looks like a planner and when he talks to his friend Nagisa that I see at the train station he seems like a good friend to her." I rambled when I remembered hearing Karma call that girl he was with at the train station Nagisa when I finally saw them again.
Losing myself in my thoughts again, I barely heard Akane talk again, "oh my potatoes... Could it be?"
"Could what 'be', Akane?" Confusion came to me looking at her with a couple more sips from my Milkshake to finish it.
"You're in love with this Karma dude!" She proclaimed so loudly that it not only spooked me into choking on my drink but everyone in the cafe looked at us again!
I was trying to catch my breath, pounding on my chest as I hacked! My face felt super warm but whether that's from me dying of embarrassment or the shake in my throat is anyone's guess!
"Akane, keep your voice down! I am not!" I whispered to her waving my hands disagreeing with her sudden crazy idea! "I can't be in 'love' with someone who I haven't talked to! He's just different from any other guy I've met and I don't know why I'm so obsessed with him..." I mumbled as one more thought came to me.
'Who would even like a cat girl like me?'
Plus after my last boyfriend I don't think I want to be in love... I don't want to experience that feeling again.
Immediately I shook my head to try and keep those memories away! He's been popping up in my head too many times and I don't want that! "I am not Akane and plus I barely know anything about him! Can't exactly walk up to him randomly and ask him questions."
"Well why don't you just look him up on the internet? If he's a teen he must have some kind of social media. That's how I look up people I need to know more about. You got a first name, that's all you really need~. Especially with a weird name like that." She suggested and to be honest that wasn't a bad idea at all! I don't see him often in person when I go to the train station to even catch a glimpse of him.
"But wait, isn't that illegal?" I asked worried that I might get in really big trouble if I searched up someone on the Internet.
Akane though smirked with a chuckle, "Psh no. Your only looking through like post and photos and sometimes you learn something about them through captions! Every body does it~."
Oh if everyone does it then I guess it's not so wrong! Then I'll see if I can find his profile on social media! "Wait there's another problem... I don't have a cell phone or a computer Akane..."
This seemed to throw her in for a loop as she began to rub an imaginary beard. "That's right I forget you're a weird teenager." She said with such a tone I knew she was teasing me! I responded with sticking my tongue out at her unamused by her true sentence!
Though with the snap of her fingers she pointed to me and smiled, "I got it! I've heard of legends about and ancient place that you can get any information of anywhere and it as well has computers for research too. It my help with your Karma predicament~." She whispered making me wonder what did she meant by this super secret place.
"Wait really?! What's it called?" I leaned closer to her really wanting to know what was this place! It might help me know more about him!
"It's called..." She paused and looked around cause this place must be super legendary! "A library."
Wait... What? I blinked surprised at what she said then I got what she meant laughing that I fell for her rues again! "Ooohhh yeah that is a place!" We both laughed till my ears perked at the sound of her phone dinging. She looked at it and groaned.
"Ugh my teacher just sent another essay notification even though she just graded the last one two days ago! Well I gotta go Neko. Please be a lot more careful and no more alleys for you." She joked getting out of the booth and I got out from my side to say bye to her.
"Okay okay I'll try to, as long as you don't toss anymore deadly water balloons at people~." I teased right back at her.
The look she gave me was either real or fake offense but either one made me laugh. "How dare you! I haven't done that since we met!"
All I did was keep looking at her with a not so sure smile and she chuckled nervously, "okay maybe I had a withdrawal last month... Or last week..."
I laughed and hugged my best friend one more time, "you're one of a kind Akane!"
"You are too Neko!" Oh you have no idea... "And good luck with your little Karma trouble~. Maybe I'll even meet this knight in shining armor~" she kept teasing making my face feel like it was getting warmer again!
Letting go of her, I shook my head beginning to clean up our table, "oh hush you! See ya later Akane." I said giving her one more smile.
"See ya Neko Oh and if this Karma guy has a cute twin brother or sister, hit me up! I'm too single!" She complained almost announcing to the whole café.
"I make no promises! Bye bye Akane." Then just like that, my best friend left the cafe out to do who knows what, but that was Akane for ya I guess. She was strange but so am I!
As I cleaned our table, I kept thinking about her suggestion. Maybe the library computer would be a spot to find more about Karma. It would help knowing more about him and why he won't leave my mind and what's wrong with me! I really do me mental help...
Suddenly the feeling of being watched came to me! It wasn't unusual in this place since customers I did catch watching me but this time I had to look around. I turned to see my eyes looking at Takebayashi who was still here! How long does he stay at this cafe?!
Then again he was currently getting fed and massaged by Seki and Kumiko. Though that doesn't explain why I caught him looking at me... Could it be because Akane and I were being so loud? Or... Did he hear us mention Karma's name. 'Could he know him?!'
I shook my head at that idea! What are the odds of that actually happening?! I mean I'm even far from the train station I see him at... Yet giving one more side glance at Takebayashi, his attire did resemble a little of Karma's. Same pants, shoes and white polo shirt. They also looked around the same age... Which would explain why I might've saw Karma as him, that and cause I'm going completely insane!
But he can't seriously know him or go to the same school! 'But what if they did...' My thoughts were literally talking back to my point of view dialogue... 'It wouldn't hurt to ask right? Though wouldn't it be weird if you went up to him and just suddenly asked what school he goes to?! But maybe Kumiko or Seki know...'
Coming to a decision I grabbed all the dirty dishes on my tray, then walked over to where the kitchen was but on the way there was my coworkers and Takebayashi. When I got close to Kumiko I whispered to her, "hey Kumiko can I ask you something in the back when you get a second please?"
She looked at me surprised by my sudden question, which made sense since we don't talk that often. The girl with pigtails nodded agreeing to my request as I walked back into the kitchen. Mrs Motsu was cooking some more dishes and looked concentrated on her task so I didn't wanna bother her.
Putting the dishes in the soapy water, Kumiko came in the back and up to me confused, "hey Neko, what's up? What did you need to ask me?" She was a bit older then me, kind of around Takeshi's age but she was around my height more.
I smiled happily at her that she did come to the back, "oh! So uh that customer your working with Seki right now, his name is Takebayashi right?" I asked looking at her and wiping my wet hands on my apron that will dry.
It was pretty obvious that she was confused by why I asked about that suddenly to her. So she slowly nodded, "yeah that's his name. He comes here a lot I'm sure you've noticed..." Kumiko said sighing tiredly leaning against the wash bin, and I can understand why. Being a part of this cafe, the boss expects us to act all sweet and kind which is pretty easy yet sometimes having to do that for a long time can tire some of us out.
"Yeah, though his uniform is very interesting too don't ya think? I haven't seen anyone with that kind of school uniform come to cafe either."
Kumiko shrugged scratching at her throat then crossing her arms, "yeah I guess. Doesn't surprise me. An odd guy like him, looks prestigious but comes to a maid cafe, bet he's an otaku yet hides it from some high and mighty school or family. So his school's probably far from here or whatever."
Huh so maybe he does go to the same school as Karma if it's far... But wait does that mean Karma goes to a pretty smart school! Yet he seemed like a troublemaker too... Not that troublemakers can't be smart, I mean look at Akane. Top of her class and constantly pranking people.
"Anyways, is that all you needed to ask me?" Looking up at Kumiko who looked sort of annoyed, I didn't want to bother her with anymore questions.
"Oh uh yeah! Thanks Kumiko!" I said smiling nervously.
"If you really wanna thank me," she leaned close to me looking at Mrs Motsu then back to me saying quietly, "can you take over my shift for a bit while I take my break early for a quick smoke?" My sensitive nose immediately caught the whiff of smoke in her breath though it wasn't that strong meaning she hadn't smoked in awhile.
I was so confused she didn't even give me time to answer before patting my shoulder and walking to the back exit in the kitchen, "thanks Neko! You're a peach! See ya!"
I watched her leave blinking more confused , "what just happened?" I asked myself before sighing and going out of the kitchen to where Seki still was with Takebayashi who was now finished eating.
Smiling happily and almost too sweetly, I went to him and began to explain that I'll be taking over Kumiko's shift. "Hi master! I'm so sorry but maid Kumiko had to take an early lunch, but I am honored to serve and please you! I'm Maid Neko."
He looked up at me as Seki did too seeming to understand where Kumiko went. The boy only pushed his glasses up and nodded, "that's alright. I was actually almost done but my membership expires soon could you renew it."
"Of course master! I'll need to take a new photo of you but could I please see your card?" I asked while Takebayashi reached into his pockets and pulled out his wallet. When he opened it, I was sure I saw a school ID in it visible in the clear pocket. I thought I saw in bold letters '3-E' at the top. What's 3-E?
"Here you are." I snapped out of it when he handed me his membership card and nodded taking it.
"Thank you... I'll make you a new one." I said still thinking then grabbing the Cafe camera. I pointed it at him as he got ready, "smile!" Taking the picture, it digitally saved and I had to go to the computer up front where I would print the photo for his new card.
I let Seki take care of him while I went up to the front to go to the computer. I hooked up the camera to the computer and began transferring the photo to it, and then making the new card with the same old information on the old one like his full name, date of birth, but then the new expiration date. When I began moving the photo to go onto the card, I noticed it had a good view of what his uniform was...
A crazy idea came to mind! If I use the Internet to look up things about Karma, what if nothing pops up of him cause of privacy... Yet the knowledge of his school name, location, and even the student uniform would be there on the Internet I'm sure. Especially if he does go to a smart school, they might have a website. Then student data base cause he might be involved extracurricular activities! He might be a sports guy. Then maybe with the information of the name '3-E' from Takebayashi school ID will help!
Quickly I finished making the new card then opened a blank document page and put the photo of Takebayashi on that. Though I cropped it so only his uniform was in the photo, not him, at least the top part of the uniform since it was a small picture. I clicked the 'print' button and once the paper was done I took it and looked at it.
A smile formed on my face at this idea. This has to work. I need to know more about him! I just hope he does go to the same school or else it'll take longer.
Folding the paper I put it in my pocket then gave Takebayashi his finished new membership card.
After he left and Seki and I telling him to come again like we usually did, I finished up my shift like usual. After that everything went normal, but as a I closed my locker in the changing room now in my regular clothes of an maroon blouse, red skirt, combat boots and with of course my beanie as my ears were tucked in well.
I grabbed my small purse and pulled out the paper with the uniform picture in it. Looking at it, I knew where to go from here. I wasn't going to go home, not when I had a plan. 'This has to work...' I repeated in my mind leaving the cafe through the back, where Kumiko's smoke still lingered a bit, then walking down the sidewalk as daylight was still out and bright.
'I have the resources and now a plan. I said I was going to know more about him, and with these ways I think I can!' The idea of this being too wrong or weird came to mind, but this was no time to second guess anymore! I need to understand what this feeling is, and in order to do that I need to know why he makes me think of him nonstop.
Looking still at the paper I then refolded it up and put it in my purse. I followed the signs that I saw on the sidewalks that pointed to my destination, the library.