Cleptophobia

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

[outside of the library]

My personal copy of Ulysses has gone missing from the library. Has anyone happened to see it? It has some sentimental value.

Comments

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

That's something I've always found admirable. Self-confidence, of course, but also conviction. It seems sometimes lacking, except, perhaps, in the madmen I spend my days with.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

Oh, there are days I wonder if I'm crazy for being where I am, certainly. It's hardly the most respectable living. [shrugs and smiles knowingly] But I doubt I'd change it.

As for conviction, you seem to have quite a bit of it yourself, good doctor.

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

[sounding amused]

Well, I have been called 'crazy' before... perhaps there's something to it.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, I hardly think you're insane. Eccentric, perhaps, but not mad.

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

[genuinely surprised and, possibly, a bit put out]

'Eccentric'?

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[only Crane would be put out by that]

I don't often meet a man who prefers his books over my company.

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

Not all books, I promise you.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[she's not really sure how to take that and so just smiles politely] Speaking of, I still haven't seen the one you're searching for. I don't suppose you've had any luck?

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

Not at all. And I had notes in that edition...

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

[places a hand on your forearm, Crane] I'm very sorry.


[she may or may not be considering getting you another copy]

[handfulofstraw.livejournal.com]

[he doesn't respond at all to the touch]

It's all right. Perhaps it will turn up eventually.

[elegantthestars.livejournal.com]

I certainly hope so.