A New Journey

He clutched the books to his chest and carefully walked forward, trying his best to ignore the stares boring into his back.

Left, right, left, right... moved his feet on the familiar grounds, a totally unfamiliar excitement threatening to overwhelm his composure. The cacophony of surprised whispers dogged him determinedly, like a shadow. 

His fingers tightened on the books, his anchor, the reason he was here. As he reached his destination, joy and wonder lighted up his face. He hadn't believed this day would ever grace his life. 

With a smile, the retired janitor stepped into the building he had cleaned for the last forty years, to begin his journey with books.