When Fiction Saves the Day

Yes, I care about the welfare of "the world" -- about the planet's health, the state of the nation's political debacles, the counties beleaguered by ICE and the regions reeling from snow and ice, as well as the individuals handling their own and loved one's mental and physical health. And, sometimes, underneath the coatings of environmental haze, governments' ugly disputes, armed hooligans, outrageous storm outings, and poverty of food and housing, I want no more of reality. I turn to the county library, a beacon of refuge and enlightenment which draws me into the Fiction sections. Needing a break from non-fiction in the beleaguered "real" world, I find row after row of stories. Some are brand new, shelved fetchingly; some oldies that settled in with me in a comfortable lounge chair. There I'm in fiction heaven for a hour or so, a saving grace with no shame for me in escaping another news from the real world. Thank you librarians and patrons who loving support the supportive system.