Gemotions

It had to be a mistake. The package was for "Mr. Julian Hayes," a man who'd vanished without a trace, leaving his apartment empty and a trail of unanswered questions. I felt a sudden pang in my gut. I hadn’t known him well, but I knew he’d been struggling with something.

I took the box into my apartment. It was heavy. I grabbed a utility knife from the kitchen drawer and sliced it open.

Inside were neatly stacked books, all with the same author. Some were new editions and some looked like they'd been well-loved.

My mind raced. Was Julian still somewhere? Did he know this had arrived? He loved this author, that much I knew. I sat down and began to research his name, trying to find any sign of him.