In this excerpt from "O Jerusalem" by Laurie R. King, the character Marsh observes the narrator with a hint of recognition, questioning their fondness for the library. Alistair expresses concern about someone's reluctance to enter the library and how he barely managed to keep them from doing so. The narrator jokes about not having engaged with the books, claiming they merely passed through the space without exploring its contents.

Alistair shares his fears about the intensity of the other person's gaze, suggesting a disquieting energy that unsettles him. His comment reveals a deeper anxiety regarding their safety in this surreal atmosphere, where seemingly innocent interactions harbor underlying tensions. This interplay of familiarity and apprehension creates an intriguing dynamic among the characters.