Gemotions

The musty smell of old paper and leather filled Elara’s nostrils as she flipped through the pages of the secondhand copy of *Pride and Prejudice*. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. A crinkling sound made her pause. Tucked between pages 187 and 188 was a folded letter, its paper thin and yellowed with age. A small, involuntary gasp escaped her lips.

She carefully unfolded it. The ink was faded, but the handwriting – looping and elegant – was still legible. A secret! A tiny, thrilling spark ignited in her chest. She found herself smiling as she started to read the words of longing and whispered confessions. She practically vibrated with excitement.