Snippet #2232590

Adelaide almost turned tail when the chair's occupant suddenly stood for her. He was so tall that his shadow was cast upon her entirety and his head blocked out the bookstore's lights, causing a bright corona to surround his face. It was much like the paintings of righteous angels descending from heaven, except that she did not know whether this meeting would bring her salvation.

And as he enclosed his hand around her quavering own, all her muscles tensed up. He was so close and spoke so fast, she immediately began feeling disoriented. It was a blur of words that fell through her overheated consciousness. She took a short breath, and came back to their reality in time to at least register his name. "Ryu," she said, trying to acknowledge him. But it was more of an unintelligible squeak than much of a response, so she just nodded vigorously.

He took in a breath, which she took to mean that he had more to say. So, eyes wide and attentive, Adelaide tried to make sure that she could understand him this time. She stood stiffly, looking up expectantly for a continuation.