The Guardian of Threshold by A. A. Volts Page A

Projection and Related Techniques
, by Victor Windlow. This should clarify things a bit,” she said, handing me the book. I held it as if it contained the secrets of the universe.
    “There are many other books on the subject, but this is by far my favorite, and I think you will like it as well,” Mrs. Barnes added. “Come back and see me after you have a chance to read it,” she said, putting away her lorgnette.
    “Astral projection? What exactly is astral projection?” I asked.
    “Everything you need to know is in there, but in a nutshell, astral projection is when your body falls asleep and your soul, or spirit if you will, separates from your body to explore other realms, primarily the world beyond,” Mrs. Barnes said in the most serious tone. “It’s simpler than it sounds, really. You see, every being is made of two basic elements, two different building blocks if you will. The material body that we all know and understand, and the spiritual body which is ignored by most, including doctors and scientists.”
    “When we sleep, the physical body rests, and the astral body gets its exercise. So you see, we all live dual lives so to speak, one while awake and another while we sleep at night,” explained Mrs. Barnes. “We do this every single night. You do it as well. Somehow when you had your astral experience, you were able to trick your consciousness into remaining aware—” She was interrupted by the sound of heels walking toward us.
    “Boys? Come on, I need to close, where are you guys?” asked the other librarian.
    “We’re here!” I said loud enough so she could hear me.
    “How did you know about my dream?” I asked Mrs. Barnes. I didn’t remember telling her about it.
    “I have to go now, come back and see me when you have read that book, there’s much more that I need to tell you,” she said, before she disappeared among the bookshelves.
    “Oh… there you are! Have you found the book you needed?” asked the other librarian.
    I couldn’t help but notice that she was dressed differently from Mrs. Barnes, and even more puzzling was the fact that her badge was also different. It read “Jane Olstein—Librarian—Middlesex County Public Library.”
    “Yes, we have, thank you,” I said, dumbfounded.
    “Follow me, and I’ll check that out for you,” said Ms. Jane as she turned heading toward the front of the library. As we walked behind her, I looked at Jonas. He looked astonished, and for the first time since I’d met him, he was at a loss for words.
    “Astral projection? Huh, interesting,” said Ms. Jane, flipping through pages randomly. “I wouldn’t have imagined this was what you were looking for.”
    “Yes, I didn’t know it either, the other librarian helped us find it,” I said while she scanned my library card.
    “What other librarian?” asked Ms. Jane, surprised.
    “The older lady, white curly hair in a bun with an old style dress. I believe her name was… Mrs. Barnes,” I said.
    “I’m… the only one… here,” stuttered Ms. Jane. “I’ve been working here for over twenty years. I’ve been the only librarian… for a long time,” said Ms. Jane as chills ran down my spine and goose bumps spread over my body.
    “But we just talked to her,” said Jonas.
    “I’m afraid that’s… impossible,” objected Ms. Jane. “You see, Mrs. Barnes passed away in 1987, back when I first started working here, and how do you even know what she looked like?”
    Ms. Jane looked all around as if she was the one who had just seen a ghost—she got so pale she looked more like one than Mrs. Barnes ever did.
    “Would you be a dear and wait for me while I shut off the lights and lock the doors?” said Ms. Jane. Her hand shook as she nervously handed me back the book.
    “Sure, no problem,” I said, feeling a bit guilty for having caused such a strong reaction in her.
    “Okay, I just need to shut off the computers. One second, please,” said Ms. Jane, still looking