Today Karl wasn't Mary's favorite colleague. He was late again! She used to like him before, but it had changed this morning. When she came to work (in time!) there was a man at the door waiting for the library to open. From the very first sight Mary understood this man would be difficult to deal with. And she was right. He wanted to use the library computer, but refused to get a library card or even show his ID.
- Nice to see you, - she said to Carl when he finally came.
The man had already left.

She wanted to be angry. She really did! But seeing Carl's face it was hard to be mad at him. He was clearly embarrassed.
- No, not really rude. Just a bit pushy.
One of the reasons she liked working in the library was that this place was a magnet for weirdos. If not for them it would be really boring to spend the whole day surrounded by old dusty books.
- So how was your weekend?

Mary opened her mouth to answer the question but managed to say only "I" before she saw a familiar figure. It was one of their regulars, "Squeaky" as the library staff used to call her. She always wore a medical mask and a fur hat, even in the worst heat like today.
Carl went for her order, and Mary started looking for books on the History of Tea. This request was weirdly normal. Last time she wanted to find books about the goat that belonged to the mistress of the Russian Emperor. She always had to be served as fast as possible. She came to the library by taxi and it was waiting for her outside.
- The weekend went by too quickly, - Mary answered Carl as Squeaky left. - Oh, is this Mr. Short Pants?
She pointed out the window. There was a man who was crossing the road. Squeaky's taxi doused him with muddy water.

If Mary couldn't see Mr. Short Pants' age in his library account she would wonder how old he was. He looked like a child in adult's body. Probably because of the short pants and suspenders he always wore. Actually, perhaps it was thanks to suspenders his pants looked so short. Anyway, one should have given him credit, Mr. Short Pants definitely had a style.

She followed him with her eyes till he disappeared on the round stairs and then she answered the phone. Oh, Japanese-lady was one of her favorites. This lady wasn't actually Japanese, but she was hunting for books in Japanese and about Japan. This alone was not weird at all, but the lady was quite rude to the stuff and everybody felt a bit resentful towards her. But not Mary. For some reason she was the only one the lady was never rude to, and a couple of times the lady said that they were kindred spirits. The fact some colleagues made fun of.

- No, not yet. We'll inform you when your order is completed. Thank you! Have a nice day!

She put the phone down.

- Well, quite a busy morning! Would you like some coffee?