Gemotions

The air in the library felt thick, stifling. Michael sat hunched over a book, pretending to read, but his eyes kept drifting toward the entrance. He knew "WhisperingWillow" frequented this library. Their shared love of books, their quiet conversations, were now a source of agony.

Every creak of the floorboards, every whispered word, sent a jolt of alarm through him. He imagined her seeing him, judging him. The thought made his stomach clench.

He shut the book with a loud snap, ignoring the disapproving glances of other patrons. He had to leave. He rose and walked toward the exit, his body felt heavy as if held down by unseen hands.