I have a cold, but I also have a job, so tonight found me at work with a hidden bottle of water to sip in an attempt to ward off much of the tickle at the back of my throat.  Turns out that I couldn’t stop it all, and ended up having a huge coughing attack about an hour into my shift.  I headed to the public women’s restroom, which was closer than my office, and spent a long time there coughing uncontrollable.  When I could finally get my breath I began splashing water on my face trying to get myself into shape to go back out to work.  The door opened and hesitantly a woman’s head poked around.  It was one of our regulars, someone who probably spends most of her days and maybe her nights on the streets of the city.  She wanted to know if I was OK, or should she go get help?  I said that I was fine, and she came in and told me when this happened to her she just needed to sip water slowly and take deep breaths.  She said she’d stay with me if I needed her and I smiled and said I’d be right out.

Tonight the patron was there to help the librarian.  Tables were turned and it didn’t surprise me at all that someone who most in society  overlook didn’t overlook someone else in need.  When she left for the evening I thanked her for checking on me, and she told me to have a nice night.  I said the same to her and hoped she does have a nice, safe night.

Another reason why library work is so rewarding.