Gemotions

It had taken ages to find a copy of *The Picture of Dorian Gray* in decent condition at a price she could afford. She’d been dreaming of reading it. Then, as soon as she opened it, a pressed flower, its petals crumbling, drifted to the floor.

Attached to the stem was a small, handwritten note. *For someone beautiful.* She let out a frustrated sound, a sharp exhalation. She'd wanted a novel. Not someone's secret sentiment.

She shoved the flower back into the book with unnecessary force, then threw the book across the room. She would read it later, she decided, but not now. Now, she would browse the internet.