The Library - Fifth Story

“What do you mean, I don’t understand,” Gwen mumbled.

“Well,” No. 6 responded, “we know you went to Sunday school at some point, and have been taught this. Rejoice, you were chosen.”

“Chosen for what?” Gwen jumped to her feet.

“Just chosen. How lucky are you?” No. 1 joined the conversation. “Why aren’t you happy?”

“Is this improv? Is it?” She looked around for a telltale glance. “Are we veering off the Greek tragedy sensibility and venturing into the fantasy genre?”

“Gwen,” No. 4 approached her, with his usual kindness. “Please believe them. They are telling you the truth. Don’t you wonder how this,” he gestured broadly towards the surroundings, “all of this, is even possible?”

“Of course I wonder! That doesn’t mean I’m going to entertain preposterous beliefs to fill in the gaps.”

“Preposterous? Isn’t this your faith?”

“The Revelation is supposed to be allegorical, not literal.”

“And you are so sure of this because, what, you’re educated?” No. 7 mocked.

“For one, there’s no way y’all are angels.”

No. 3 stood up and left, visibly offended.