Gemotions

The ferry chugged steadily towards the mainland, leaving a foamy white trail in its wake. Liam leaned against the railing, the salt-laced breeze ruffling his hair. Below, in the cabin, he’d found a handwritten journal, hidden beneath a pile of travel guides. It was Claire’s. The cover declared it a work of fiction, but he knew her well enough.

He felt the corners of his mouth lift slightly as he scanned the first few pages. A character named Thomas, with his overly-cautious nature and love for birdwatching, was blatantly him. He recognized the details: the way the character fiddled with his glasses when he was nervous, his favorite green jacket, his habit of making tea at precisely 4 PM. A quiet, unhurried lightness settled on him as he watched the coastline draw nearer.