The library feels hushed enough to hear pencil tips and page turns. Norman sits with his textbook open, notebook ready, while the shelter flyer tucked in his bag seems to weigh more than paper should.
Classmate
You have been staring at that same paragraph for a while. Want me to quiz you?
The Classmate slides a finger under the next heading and waits, patient and unhurried. Around them, the circulation desk stays calm, and the afternoon light shifts across the table.
Norman
Yeah. Start easy.
Classmate
Easy is good. So, what is the main idea here?
Norman
The answer is on the page. I just need to slow down and read it cleanly.
Norman traces a line in the margin, then underlines a key sentence. The Classmate nods, and the tension at the table loosens by a small but real degree.
Classmate
There. That was better. After this page, we can take a break and then you can tell me if the shelter drive went okay.