Eve POV:
"Miss?" It was the librarian's voice, stern and sharp. "Are you alright?"
I froze. The panic surged through me. I had to act like I was already breaking down.
I gasped, stumbling back a little, and my eyes welled with tears as I looked at her, helpless and frazzled. "I-I just…" I shook my head as if words were failing me. "I can't stay here… I just need to go..."
The librarian's hand tightened on my arm, but her expression softened. "You're not in any trouble," she said gently, though her eyes were filled with concern. "Is there anything I can do?"
I swallowed, feeling the weight of her gaze. Was she buying it? Could I get away with this?
"Just… please…" I whispered, trying to keep the quiver in my voice steady. "I just can't stay in there right now."
I thought I saw her hesitate for a second, but then her hand released me. "Alright," she said, nodding. "If you need to take a break, feel free. You don't have to be in the library if it's too much."
