Gemotions

The stuffy library held a familiar scent of old paper and dust. Michael saw Chloe, his childhood friend, browsing the history section. Her hair, once a cascade of wild curls, was now neatly pulled back. He went to say hello, but Chloe looked up, then furrowed her brow. “Do I know you?”

A wave of something he couldn't name washed over him. He felt a need to protect her. He remembered their secret hideout, their shared love for books, their whispered ambitions. He remembered the things that made her laugh.

“I was just looking,” he stammered, his cheeks flushing. He took a few books from the shelf. He looked at them with interest. He walked over to her. “This book is great.” He smiled at her. “It’s about kings and queens.”