Shady

“Oh yeah?” Pratik smiled, considering. “Huh. I’d like that… but she’d probably rather die then have me as a trainer.”

“Agreed,” Pratik said with a nod. “Besides. There’s little to be gained from it. I either look like a cocky asshole — which, I mean, is my default, but not ...

“I haven’t asked.” Pratik shook his head. “Not super interested while I’m here.”

Poetry was his main one, but he couldn’t admit that to Rickard. Obviously. So, “I like horseback riding. And training. But I classify that more as work than a hobby ...

“I’d say so.” Pratik nodded. “And a good one at that.”

“What hobby?”

“Hm, that’s an interesting idea,” Pratik said thoughtfully, considering it for a moment. “I think I prefer not to think of my hobbies that way, though. My hobbies are my ...

“Deep breaths,” Pratik said with a chuckle. “Let this be a hobby — you don’t need a brand new career.”

“I’m sure it wouldn’t be a bother.” He smiled a little. “But yes, reading would probably be a useful first step to becoming a librarian.”

“I bet they’d let you shadow them if you ask.”

“I mean… that’s what the librarians do, yeah?”

“I think a lot of it was,” Pratik answered. “But… I don’t know about the rest. I guess he’s got people collecting books for him from all over. The topics ...

Pratik nodded in agreement. “It’s sobering… I understand why he’s so proud of it. I would be too.”

“Nice!” Pratik smiled and nodded. “It’s an impressive collection no doubt.”

“Have you found anything of interest in the library?” Pratik asked.