The Library

Scandanavia, January 30th 2026

Thor, a 15 year old red-head, is sitting in class, zoning out as the teacher is explaining Trigonometry, but this is the least of his worries. The final bell rings on a Friday, chatter erupts, teens talking about their weekend plans, couples hanging out in the halls, boys playing video games, girls taking pictures, everyone seems to have something going on in their lives, Everyone except Thor. Thor isn't an outcast, he is everyone's friend, but no one's best friend, and that's just fine with him. He has no girlfriend, and never really tried after being friend zoned by the one girl he loved. His life is as mundane as it gets. He enjoys video games, and partying, but what he enjoys the most, is going to the library. Having inherited his mom's genes, he became obsessed with mythology, especially Norse Mythology, which he and his brother, Loki, who is 19, and enjoys life, regularly out partying, drinking, doing drugs, and hanging out with girls, are named after.

Friday afternoon, everyone is either at home, or out with friends, which leaves the local library, who is usually filled with academically-challenged students, is empty, just like any other Friday. The Librarian is sitting at his desk with a warm smile, just like any other Friday. Just like any other Friday, Thor makes his way to the Mythology section of the library. He looks through the books on the shelves, skipping past Indian Mythology, Greek Mythology, Roman Mythology, and many others, looking for his favorite. He picks up a book, titled "Ragnarök", its cover being rather simple yet unique, gold text on a textured black background. Thor makes his way back to the Librarian, handing her the book. The Librarian and Thor see each other almost daily. They often end up discussing Literature during slow days, and have come to be able to understand each other from a single glance. Thor hands him the book, and looks at him, but instead of checking him out like he usually does, he looks at him confused. "What is that book?" he asks. "I found it in the Mythology section, don't you know about it?" Thor says confused. "Nope never seen it. What even is a "Ragnarök" i have never heard of such a thing. I guess that book is now yours, congrats." Thor shrugs, but does not complain. He simply leaves, taking the book home.

Arriving at home, he reaches for his keys to open, but finds the door open. Scared, he holds up the book as a shield, worried that an intruder made it in. To his shock, he sees his brother, Loki, passed out drunk on the couch, instead of being out in university. After the brothers' mom died 3 years ago from an unknown lack of oxygen related disease, they were forced to fend for themselves, dealing with their grief alone. One drinking it away, the other embracing his mother's passion, convincing himself she lives on through it. Thor locks the door, tucks Loki in, and goes for his room. On the walls, different posters are hung, most of them Mythology related, with a picture of his mother above his bed. He settles into his chair, the book on his desk.