The world shifts around her.

Suddenly, she is in an Olympic swimming pool. The crowd cheers. Her body is strong, sculpted by years of training. She looks around and recognizes the event. A world championship. Glory within reach.

The signal sounds, and she dives into the water. Every stroke is perfect. The water embraces her like an old friend. For a moment, she feels invincible.

But then, something happens.

An irregular heartbeat. An irrational panic that grips her mid-swim. Something inside her doesn’t fit. She doesn’t remember how she got here. She doesn’t recall every sacrifice she made to be this Nora.

When she touches the edge of the pool, the crowd roars. She has won. But the emptiness remains.

This isn’t her life.

She doesn’t feel real.

And before she can process it, the Library pulls her back.

When she opens her eyes, Mrs. Elm watches her calmly.

—Not all lives are what you expect.

Nora breathes heavily. She sits down, trembling.

—I want to try again.

Mrs. Elm smiles.

—Of course.

Another book. Another possibility.