Gemotions

The librarian handed her the book without a word. “Your hold,” she said, her voice flat. Chloe took the book, her fingers numb. *Chloe: The Echo of Others*. The cover had a picture of her as a young girl, clutching her father's hand.

It cataloged her decisions based on other people's perceptions. Every decision, career, relationship was a reflection of the voices around her. She felt a profound sense of isolation.

She considered running to her best friend’s house, needing the tangible support of her presence. The walls of the library seemed to press in on her.