Wrong Stop Outside the Old Library After Work

Wrong Stop Outside the Old Library After Work

I was supposed to meet someone after work, but I got off at the wrong stop and ended up outside the old library instead of the coffee shop. The street looked like our block, except the cars were gone and people were in long coats and hats, like a photo from my grandparents' hallway. Inside, the shelves had shifted and I couldn't find the room where we said we'd wait. Then I saw her by the card catalog—my coworker, the one I keep almost asking out—except her hair was pinned up and she had on a dress that didn't belong at the office. She knew me right away and took my arm like we'd done this before. I felt stupidly happy and also late, checking my pocket for my phone and only finding a paper ticket. We walked a hallway that went on too long. She said my name the soft way, and I woke up still wanting to answer.