The Librarian

Summary

• The chapter introduces an elderly woman with grey hair, dressed in a green polo neck, who appears out of nowhere. She identifies herself as 'The Librarian.'
• The protagonist, Nora, recognizes her as Mrs Elm, her school librarian.
• Nora recalls the comfort provided by Mrs. Elm on the day her father died suddenly of a heart attack. Mrs Elm broke the tragic news to her while they played chess in the library.
• Nora remembered crying into Mrs. Elm's polo neck and being comforted by her, who assured her that things would get better.
• Nora's mother eventually picked her up from school, but was too upset to respond to Nora's professions of love.
• Confused about her current location, Nora asks Mrs. Elm where they are. Mrs. Elm explains that they are in a library but does not confirm whether it is an afterlife or simply another place.
• The chapter ends with Mrs Elm preparing to explain the situation to Nora.