The Night of Many Endings

by Melissa Payne

that libraries were one of the last places someone could go where they didn’t have to buy or believe in anything to come in. She

You

were saved in that accident for some reason, and you need to live the life God gave you to find out why.

My uncle told me once that I’d survived for a purpose, and I think he’s right. It was to help Mario. He needs me.” She shrugged. “Otherwise all of it would have been for nothing, right?”

You should give people the benefit of the doubt, Marly. You never know what kind of day they’ve had.

Mario was like Lewis. Wanting to be numb. Wanting to change his past but unable to.

The library felt trapped inside a snow globe,

“I love podcasts. Have you ever listened to This American Life?” “It’s one of my favorites,” he said. “And Hidden Brain.” “Oh, me too.”

Outside, the snow crunched underfoot and the air stung her ears. Her teeth chattered. The town was a fairy tale of crystal and white, sparkling even in the overcast light.

They’d all let something control their lives. And for Nora it had been her fear that if she didn’t

hold on tight enough, fight hard enough, sacrifice enough, she’d lose Mario. Yet none of it had mattered. Mario’s battles were his own.

But Evelyn had just laughed and said that God had put everyone there together for a reason and she believed they all had a part in Jasmine surviving.

I totally shipped you two.” She walked away, still grinning. Vlado’s mouth twitched. “I have no idea what that means.” Nora laughed. “Me either.”

“Your purpose isn’t to save the world, Nora, or to save Lewis or me, or Mario for that matter. It never was.” “Then what is it?” She could barely get the words out because her throat had closed over a lump. Marlene touched her face. “To be you.” “I’m not sure I know who that is,” Nora whispered. Marlene just smiled and laughed. “Nobody does. That’s why we have each other.”