The most important books are the ones you have never opened. -- Lessons
"Welcome," said the voice, "to the Library of All Knowledge. What would you like to learn?"
The first impulse was to say all of it. So many dreams could come true. Each one of these books could impart a technique. Gift a mind with a skill. Yet there was not enough time to read up on how to fulfill all of his dreams.
He wanted to do so much, but he didn't have enough time. The idea came with the realisation. "Can I learn how to be immortal?"
Something about the other presence here felt like it was smiling. It was not a nice or friendly smile. "You would know everything, yes?" it said. "You would seek everything to know?"
This felt like a trap. Nevertheless, he had gone through every kind of hell just to get here. He had a deep yearning for the ability to accomplish anything of note. "I have so many dreams," he said. "I don't have the time to make them real. I don't have the ability or resources or... anything."
"And here is everything," whispered the voice. "You could have it."
A voice in the back of his head whispered, Never pay your heart for your heart's desire. Never spend your soul on your soul's yearning.
He said, "How much does it cost?"
The voice said, "All you must do is agree. You take my place. You have the time to read everything. You have the time to learn. You understand?"
In retrospect, that was the trap. That was the bait and switch. All unthinking, he said, "Yes."
He agreed.
All at once, his body vanished. His name vanished. In his place was a stranger, who ran for the exit like there were demons chasing him.
He had the time to read. He had the time to learn. But no physical form to touch. No fingers to turn pages. No eyes to read. He was just a voice. A guardian and guide to anyone who came. There to show them what they wanted to learn, but never to learn it himself.
He had the time, and lacked the ability. Surrounded by books he could never touch.
Waiting for the next one to want immortality. Waiting for the next one to agree.
[Photo by Peter Herrmann on Unsplash]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends!
Send me a prompt [94 remaining prompts!]