"What do you mean my funding was dismissed?" Ella exclaimed, staring at the assistant director for the communications department in shock.

He let out a weary sigh and leaned forward, his fingers nervously tapping on a notepad. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tucker," he said, his gaze avoiding hers. "We were just informed that the funding was never actually released for your research." He took a deep breath. "By the time you accepted the offer to transfer, there was no more money left."

She blinked in disbelief. Ella blinked, the words sinking in like an anchor in her chest. Her funding was gone. She drove eighteen hours to a state she forgot even existed to continue her research and her funding was gone. Completely gone. The funding that Professor Clayton fought so hard to secure for her to continue researching had completely disappeared. Poof.

Unbelievable.

Ella knew that her research and topic were a bit on the niche and obscure side of communication studies. Her research delved into the intricate relationship between media representation, communication channels, and the public's perceptions and beliefs regarding cryptids. Yes, Crypids. Like Bigfoot and the elusive Mothman. In a world where most of her peers were studying mass media, social networks, and political communication, She had taken a decidedly unconventional path, and well, here she was paying the price for it

A strangled laughter bubbled in her throat. "So what? Do I just go back home?"

Dr. Halle, the assistant director, leaned in, his expression serious but sympathetic. He was an older man, with thin graying hair, and eyes that held years' worth of academic knowledge. Except, no, not really. He was just an old man. "No, Ella, we don't want you to go anywhere. Your research is incredibly important to the field of communication, and it's an honor to have you here conducting it at our institution."

Ella averted her gaze. If her research was so important to the institution, where did all the funding for her research go?

"I appreciate that, Dr. Halle, but without funding, I don't see how I can continue."

He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the situation. "Here's the deal," he began, "the communication department has allocated $1500 to support your research. It's a start, but we'll need you to secure additional funding to cover the rest. I believe in your work, Ella, and I'm confident you can make this happen."

"Okay," she couldn't bring herself to say thank you to his compliment. "But what about my housing situation? I've been staying in the dorms."

Dr. Halle offered a reassuring nod. "Your housing will remain free for the rest of the year. We want to ensure that you have the stability you need to focus on your studies."

Ella smiled lightly. It was the closest thing to a 'thank you' she could muster at the moment. how am I going to come up with the rest of the money?"

He leaned forward again, his eyes locking with hers. "We've got an overnight shift position at the university library," he said. "It's a great opportunity to earn some extra money while keeping your days free for your research. It might be a bit of a juggling act, but we believe in you."

You wouldn't have to have all this faith in me if my funding had been released. She thought disdainfully.

He slid the flyer across the desk. As she picked it up, her eyes fell on the homemade poster. The word "HIRING NOW" was scrawled across the top in bold, uneven, Comic Sans font, and it was obvious that this flyer had been put together by a student who wasn't exactly skilled in graphic design. The words were a little too big and a little too close together, there was a rough sketch of an open book and a laptop. Below the amateurish artwork were details about the overnight position at the university library, including the hours, responsibilities, and contact number.

"Call that number," Dr. Halle said, turning back towards his computer. "Tell them I sent you and they'll hire you on the spot."

She nodded before moving to stand up, her fingers tightening around the strap of her backpack. She shuffled towards the door before turning around.

"Thank you for your help, Dr Halle."

He regarded her with a kind smile. "Of course, we expect great things from you Ella, and groundbreaking research of course." he laughed as if it was an inside joke the two of them were supposed to share, but Ella was far too tired to humor him with anything but a quirk of lips and wave of her hand.

Once she was out the door she hurried down the hallway, clutching the flyer in one of her hands and her phone in the other. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration as she contemplated the situation. It just didn't seem fair. She had worked hard to secure her research funding and had been promised financial support to focus on her studies. Now, the sudden withdrawal of her funding left her high and dry.

Dr. Halle's suggestion weighed on her. She knew the extra job at the library would be a significant commitment, especially the overnight shift. It would undoubtedly disrupt her research and academic schedule, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it was an undue burden. What a mess.

Ella emerged through the double doors of the communications building, walking down the steps leading towards the pathway. A few students ambled around the courtyard, basking in the fresh morning air.

The air was different here than it was back home. It wasn't muggy or dreadfully humid. Her hair didn't frizz the minute she walked through the door, and there wasn't a constant patch of sweating building on the back of her neck. It was different, but it wasn't necessarily a bad different.

She took a deep breath, before glancing down at the poster. She might as well give it a shot. There wouldn't be many students who'd willingly loiter around a library overnight anyway.

With this silver lining in mind, Ella decided to dial the number on the flyer. However, to her disappointment, it went straight to voicemail. She let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that she might need to visit the library in person.

She glanced around, searching for a community map. For such a big university, there didn't appear to be many maps directing students around campus. Maybe because everyone who went here, also grew up here. She frowned, unlocking her phone to locate the school map on their website.

"Do you always frown like that, Tucker?" A familiar, baritone voice said from beside her.

She startled slightly, causing her to lose grip on her phone. She fumbled with it for a few seconds, before catching a firm grasp on it. She turned her head to find Connor standing there, dressed in sweats and a muscle tank with a jersey adorning the college's name on top. He looked every bit the part of an athlete, but Ella couldn't help but wonder what sport he played.

With a sigh, Ella replied, "Well, it's been a long morning. I'm just trying to find my way around this place."

Connor raised an eyebrow. "Need some help? I know the campus like the back of my hand."

Ella hesitated for a moment, still not entirely sure about this friendly stranger who seemed to be popping up everywhere. However, the thought of wandering around lost didn't appeal to her, so she finally relented. "Sure, if you don't mind."

He grinned, falling into stride next to her. "Where are you trying to go?"

"The library," she replied, clutching the flyer harder in her hand.

"Oh, that's easy. Once I show you, you'll probably never forget where it's located."

As they started walking toward the library, Connor began to talk about the lore of the school. "You know, I heard Northview's Library is haunted. Legend has it that the old library, the one they tore down to build the new one, was demolished while the librarian was inside of it. She was against the demolition of the building, so she protested for two weeks straight by never leaving. Finally, the university got so fed up, they tore it down with her inside. People said she would rearrange books in the middle of the night and shush anyone who made noise. They used to call her the 'Silent Librarian.'"

Ella raised an eyebrow, clearly not taking him seriously. "The 'Silent Librarian'? That sounds like something out of a crappy horror movie. You don't expect me to believe that, do you?"

Connor chuckled. "Well, I guess you'll have to find out for yourself if you ever have a late-night study session there."

Ella internally sighed. She would be having more than late-night study sessions there.

She turned towards Connor who was eying her expectantly. She stared back. "What?"

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Aren't you going to ask what sport I play?"

Oh, that's right. Connor stayed in Dockman hall, which meant he was a university athlete.

"Okay," she said, slowly. "What sport do you play?"

"Guess."

She gave him a bewildered look. "I don't know, Golf?"

He wrinkled his nose. "Golf? Do I really look like I play golf? Never mind that, try again one more time."

"Basketball?" He was pretty tall.

Connor sighed before shaking his head. "Nah, I'm on the baseball team. It's kind of obvious, isn't it?"

Ella looked at him with a hint of confusion. "Not really. How would I know just by looking at you?"

Connor pointed to his cap, which read 'Northview Baseball,' and then patted his jersey. "See?"

Ella felt her cheeks burn. "It's been a long morning."

He chuckled. "I can tell."

They arrived at the library, and Ella could see the entrance. "Here we are," Connor said, stopping in front of the building. "You should be all set from here."

Connor was right about Ella not forgetting where it was located. It was dead-center in the middle of the university green and appeared to be one of the tallest buildings on campus.

"Thanks," she said, adjusting her book bag. "I appreciate you walking me here."

"Of course, Tucker. I was the new guy once, I know how it feels."

Before Ella could open her mouth, a rush of students burst through the library doors. A few girls glanced over at Connor, their eyes widening in recognition. They began walking over to the duo.

"Hey," Connor started, pulling out his phone. "I've been meaning to ask for—"

"Connor Holmes?" One of the girls, a pretty brunette said walking up to the pair.

"Uh," he lowered his phone. "Yeah?"

"Could we get a picture with you?"

Ella's eyes widened. A picture? He wasn't that famous, was he?

"Sure," He said, sending them a charming smile. "Here, I'll hold the phone." He looked at Ella briefly, before turning is attention back to the girls.

Ella stood awkwardly for a few moments, watching as the two beautiful girls in front of her arranged themselves on either side of Connor.

After another beat of silence on her part, and a few fitful giggles from the girls, she hurried inside the library.

The expansive room was a bibliophile's dream, filled with the scent of old and new books intermingling in the air. The soft golden light streaming in from large, arched windows added a touch of warmth to the large area.

As she strolled through the library, the buzz of whispered conversations and the occasional screech of a chair against the wooden floor created the background music of focused college life. Tables were occupied by students armed with textbooks, notebooks, and laptops, all in various states of disarray.

She heard a girl groaning about a mid-term paper being due, and having absolutely what to write while a few of her friends half-heartedly comforted her. She smiled. Some things never change.

Ella approached the front desk, where what appeared to be a student worker was engrossed in organizing a stack of returned books. He was short, and a bit lanky, with a mop of dark blonde hair mussled on his head. After clearing her throat, she explained, "Excuse me, I'm interested in applying for the overnight position..."

The worker looked up and greeted her with a friendly smile. "Oh, you must be the one Dr. Halle sent. I'll get the librarian for you. Please have a seat."