Gemotions

The discovery struck her with the force of a physical blow. The letter, folded neatly inside *Jane Eyre*, was written in a child's shaky handwriting. The words, filled with simple longing, spoke of a missing parent, a forgotten promise. Her breath hitched. She'd been looking forward to the comforting familiarity of the classic novel, not this overwhelming swell of emotion.

She felt like she was trapped in a funhouse mirror, reflections distorting her own face. The words felt strange, the meaning unclear, and the emotions overwhelming. She pushed the book away, unable to bear the weight of what she had found.

She felt a tremor run through her body, leaving her cold and clammy. She wanted to run. She wanted to scream.