CHAPTER THIRTY – THE LIBRARY

Rebecca tugged on Nancy's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement as they approached the grand old building that housed Gilda's Bay Library. "Come on, Nance! You're going to love this place." Nancy looked up at the imposing structure, a mix of curiosity and apprehension on her face. "It's... bigger than I remembered. I haven't been here since we were kids." "That's because you've been too busy being a goody-two-shoes," Rebecca teased, linking her arm through her sister's. "But trust me, this place is magical." As they climbed the worn stone steps, Nancy hesitated. "Are you sure we're allowed to just wander in? Don't we need a library card or something?" Rebecca laughed, pushing open the heavy wooden doors. "Nance, it's a public library. Everyone's welcome. Besides, I practically live here. Mrs. Watanabe will be thrilled to see us." They stepped into the cool, quiet interior of the library. The scent of old books and polished wood enveloped them, and Nancy couldn't help but inha