Into the Library of Shadows

A nervous rookie Ghostbuster faces his first mission.

Jeremy jolted awake, the alarm blaring far too early for the little sleep he’d managed. Today wasn’t just any day, it was his first as a Ghostbuster. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, staring at the uniform folded neatly on the chair. The jumpsuit’s name patch read JEREMY in bold, block letters.

His stomach twisted in a nervous round of flips as he pulled it on. The fabric was stiff, but it felt like armor. He clipped the proton pack onto his back, wobbling a little under its weight. “Heavy,” he muttered, adjusting the straps. “But worth it.”

The morning light slipped through the blinds, striping the floor like glowing bars. Jeremy double-checked his gear in the mirror, goggles, gloves, and his trusty P.K.E. meter. He practiced his best confident grin, though it looked more like he was about to faint.

Downstairs, the Ecto-1 honked its horn, echoing through the street. His new team was waiting. Jeremy grabbed his helmet and ran out, heart pounding.

As he climbed in, the others gave him quick nods. “Ready for your first bust?” Oscar Barrett asked with a smirk.

Jeremy swallowed hard. “Born ready.” That was a lie, but it sounded good.

The radio crackled with their first call: reports of a library ghost. Classic. Jeremy’s nerves surged again, but as the car roared to life and the city blurred past in neon streaks, something steadied inside him.

By the time they reached the towering library, Jeremy tightened his grip on the proton wand. Fear buzzed in his chest, but so did excitement.

“Alright, rookie,” Emery Zeddemore said, pushing open the doors. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Jeremy took a deep breath, stepped into the building, and smiled. Time to prove he belonged.

Word Count: 294
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: sleep, round, light”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"