THE MOMENT
"Well...," Craig sighed as he took in his new surroundings. He was between two long shelves loaded with scrolls and hardcover books that somehow seemed out of place. "...I owe Vanessa an apology if I ever get back." Craig had all but mocked Vanessa when she showed off her time machine. He knew she was a genius; but, time travel seemed more like science fiction than fact. But, he was no longer in Vanessa's garage lab; that much was true.
Aside from the immediate shelves, Craig also saw more surrounding him. As he looked around, he realized he was on the second floor of an immense, multi-story library. Except, most of the people he saw wore togas or simple clothing. Sun came in through dozens of windows and openings in the ceiling; but, he did not see any glass anywhere.
Craig realized that he was standing too close to the edge and his jeans and t-shirt would probably stand out. He retreated back into the rows of shelves to try and figure out his next move. He knew he did not want to be seen; but, that was as far as he got. He was lost in time and he had no idea if Vanessa knew how to get him back. He made his way to the darkest corner he could find and sat in the shadows to think.
"Oh, excuse me. I did not know anyone was here," a voice speaking English caught Craig by surprise. He jumped in place from the scare; but, he whirled to look at who it was. A teenage girl that also wore jeans and a t-shirt. She already had her back to him and was walking away.
"Wait!" Craig spoke up and the girl stopped. She turned to look at him with a smile. Craig took a moment to mentally compare her to everyone else he saw. She seemed out of place like him.
"You have to believe me...," he said. "I got sent here from the future and I don't know how to get back."
"Okay," the girl nodded. She extended her hand. "My name is Tama," she said.
"Craig," he introduced himself as they shook hands.
"Do not worry," she said. "It happens often. If you go down to the information desk on the first floor, they will help get you home."
"It happens a lot...?" Craig asked. "Time travel?" Tama nodded.
"Time travel happens a lot more than you think," she said. "I meant time travelers getting lost here happens a lot too," she said. She gestured at the library around them as she said it.
"Where's here?" Craig asked. Tama smiled.
"The Library of Alexandria."