Gemotions

The musty scent of aged paper and leather filled Amelia’s nostrils as she flipped through the pages of the dusty copy of *Wuthering Heights*. She'd found it tucked away in a corner of the used bookstore, a perfect escape from her disastrous attempt at making small talk with Mark, the cute barista. He'd asked about her weekend, and she'd blurted out something about "conquering Everest," when in reality, she'd spent the entire time watching reality TV. Her cheeks burned just thinking about it.

A folded piece of parchment fluttered out, landing in her lap. Curiosity piqued, she unfolded it.

The handwriting, a spidery script, detailed a confession of unrequited love. The details were so specific, so raw, that Amelia felt a strange knot tighten in her stomach.

The letter was signed, "Yours truly, forever yours, but never yours." She quickly folded it back up, her palms growing damp. She tucked the book back into its shelf, then hurried towards the door, heart thudding, as if she was the one who had written it.