The Garden (Into Shadow, #1)

by Tomi Adeyemi

“I think something has to be alive to be cursed.” “And you don’t feel something alive in books? Haven’t you ever felt the kiss of fabled winds brush across your face?” Lęina whispered. “Haven’t you ever found yourself floating in an infinite space? Haven’t you shed tears for characters you’ve never known? Felt emotions that can’t possibly be your own?” Angelo stared at Lęina as though transfixed. “You don’t know that feeling?” Lęina pushed. “Deep, deep in your heart?” “I think I do . . . ,” Angelo finally answered. “Then you think books can be alive.”

Someone had once told her that everyone was addicted to something. But Lęina thought that was just something addicts liked to say.

“I think men are afraid of their fathers,” Lęina continued when Angelo didn’t answer. “Afraid. Or at odds. Sons used to replace their fathers. Now both live too long.”

“You’re a musician?” “You can tell just from that?” She nodded. “I used to play in a band.” “What instrument?” “Guess.” A crooked smile broke out across Angelo’s face. He looked like the type of person who enjoyed these types of games. Angelo didn’t rush for an answer as they waited. He didn’t speak when a pump went free. Angelo’s fingers seemed to investigate as they danced across the shiny yellow pumps that read “4.57 Real.” He continued to look back at Lęina, combing over her tennis shoes, the ribbon in her hair, even the curve of her manicured nails. “Keyboard,” he finally answered. Lęina smiled. “How did you know?”

“And if I don’t come back?” “I’ll understand.” Angelo touched his heart. “I’ll pray it’s because you found whatever you are looking for.”