Between Both Worlds

“Hey… aren’t you going to the library today?” Emily’s voice cut through the quiet of the dorm room. She leaned against the doorframe, watching Alicia sit cross-legged on her bed, glasses perched neatly on her nose, absorbed in her book. “I will… but not now,” Alicia replied softly. Her voice was calm, almost detached, like she was speaking from another world entirely. Emily raised a brow. Alicia was always like this, quiet, thoughtful, careful with her words. And yet, Emily felt a strange comfort around her roommate. Maybe it was the shared room. Maybe it was the unspoken understanding that neither would demand anything from the other. Emily nodded, smoothed her hair, and left. “Don’t stay up too late,” she called over her shoulder. “I won’t,” Alicia replied, though she knew the silence of the room would likely keep her company well past curfew. Once alone, Alicia exhaled slowly and closed her book. The dorm room was silent, except for the faint hum of the ceiling fan. She liked it this way. Silence gave her space to think, to breathe, to escape the constant buzz of other people’s expectations. Emily was a year behind her, studying Law, while Alicia was deep into Medicine and Surgery. Their worlds were different, but their connection was effortless. Alicia could see Emily’s frustrations, her doubts, even when Emily tried to hide them. And Emily seemed to understand Alicia’s quiet determination in a way no one else did. Alicia stood, smoothed her black shirt over her frame, and walked to the common room. At this hour, it was deserted. She sank into the couch and switched on the TV, resuming Stranger Things from where she’d left off. Her eyes watched the screen, but her mind wandered. She thought of her life, the endless routines of lectures, labs, and surgical practice. It was orderly, predictable, safe. And yet, she longed for chaos. For something unpredictable. Something extraordinary. Alicia shook her head and dismissed the thought. She rarely indulged in fantasies, but sometimes, just sometimes, it felt good to wish. By evening, the faint thrum of music drifted from the campus. A party was underway. That meant the library would be empty. Perfect. Alicia dressed quickly, black shirt, fitted trousers. No makeup, just a dab of pomade to keep her skin smooth. Her curly hair tumbled freely over her shoulders, and her glasses caught the fading light. She didn’t think of herself as beautiful, though a casual observer might disagree. The stairs creaked beneath her feet as she descended. S University was ancient, steeped in rumor. Some claimed it had been built on a battlefield for demons, imbued with strange powers. Alicia didn’t believe in such tales. The campus sprawled lush and green, overlooking the sea. It was a neutral ground for students from both Country S and Country M, maintaining an uneasy peace. As she walked, a familiar voice stopped her. “Hello, Alicia,” said Alex. Tall, handsome, his calm voice carried a teasing warmth. “Hey, Alex,” she replied, eyes meeting his briefly. “Not going to the party?” “I have tests tomorrow.” Alex laughed softly. “Since when do you study for tests?” She only smiled, offering no answer. “I’ll join you later,” he said. “I promised my friends I’d show up.” He walked off, leaving Alicia in her quiet rhythm. The library loomed ahead, its glass walls reflecting the fading sun. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave a view of the sea beyond. Whoever had designed this place had a deep love for books. “Hi, Alicia. I was expecting you,” the librarian said knowingly. “I came to check out a few books,” Alicia replied, already moving toward the medical section. “Enjoy your evening,” the librarian called behind her. Alicia realized she had already read most of the books in the medical section. Alex was right, she barely needed revision. Some lecturers even allowed her to assist in complex surgeries in secret. The thrill of it made her heart race, and yet, the routine felt empty. She wandered into the Ancient Historical section. Dust hung in the air, and the smell of old paper filled her lungs. Few students visited here. Most preferred romantic history, she noticed, but Alicia didn’t care. She liked the forgotten corners of knowledge. Then she saw it, a purple-covered book sitting alone on a shelf. She pulled it free and opened it. Blank. She flipped through the pages, heart sinking. Still blank. Confused, she wiped the cover and noticed strange symbols etched faintly into it. The language was unfamiliar, alien. On the final page, a map, a map of the library. Her pulse quickened. Following the map, she moved deeper until she reached a window showing nothing but blackness. A hollow, shaped to fit the book, sat at its center. Her hand trembled as she placed the book into the space. Nothing. She sighed, about to remove it, The lights flickered. Her hands froze. The book wouldn’t let go. A low hum filled the air, rising, vibrating through her bones. She tried to scream. And then, Everything went black.