Gemotions

The bookstore smelled of old paper and quiet secrets. Leo walked through the aisles, scanning faces. "Wordsmith," his online literary sparring partner, had suggested they meet here.

He felt a strange pressure building behind his eyes. He’d meticulously planned the meeting in his head, but now, faced with reality, he felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread. Each step seemed to echo. He ran a hand through his hair.

He found her in the poetry section, browsing the shelves. He recognized her by her distinctive, worn leather satchel. He stood, frozen, for a moment, and his stomach did a slow, uneasy flip.