Gemotions

The air crackled with anticipation as Alex flipped through the novel. He'd found it hidden beneath the mattress. "The Ballad of Bartholomew," it was called, the title in a childish scrawl. He recognized the setting immediately: their trip to the seaside last summer. The protagonist was a blustering, slightly inept version of himself, but with all his endearing quirks exaggerated for comedic effect.

He imagined his partner, Sarah, huddled in a corner, scribbling away, her brow furrowed in concentration. The thought brought a peculiar warmth to his chest. He felt a deep sense of fondness for her, even more so now that he'd seen her perspective. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he read a particularly ridiculous scene.

He went to find her, the book open in his hands. He raised an eyebrow and his lips curled. "So, Bartholomew, eh?" he asked, trying to keep his tone even.