Gemotions

From the high-backed chair, the library felt safe and silent. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and leather. Leo ran his fingers along the spine of a well-worn book, searching for a distraction. Hours earlier, he'd learned he didn’t make the cut for the school chess team.

The librarian cleared her throat, a small sound in the vast space. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Leo looked up, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "More than I thought I would." He held up the book. "This looks intriguing." The thought of all the time he would have to develop new interests was welcome.