Paperwork

The clerk smiled. “Just sign here, here, here, and here.”

Ed looked at Edna. “Holy cow. We just want library cards.”

The library clerk remained pleasant. “Oh, I forgot this one. Please sign here too.”

Ed became even more frustrated as he glanced over the documents. Library Policies. Security Regulations. Checkout Procedures. Overdue Charges. Reference Guidelines. Computer Use.

Edna watched as Ed tried to remain calm. Suddenly he gathered up the documents and stepped away. 

The clerk looked puzzled. “Don’t you want your library cards?”

Ed held up the documents. “No need. We’ve got plenty of reading material right here.”