Gemotions

The air in the used bookstore felt suddenly thick, oppressive. David, usually a picture of composure, felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. He’d hoped to find a rare edition of *The Odyssey*. He had been attempting to impress his new boss, a man of letters.

A thin envelope, addressed in elegant calligraphy, tumbled onto the floor.

Inside, a letter revealed a hidden debt, a promise broken, and a life slowly unraveling. It was a confession of financial ruin. David felt a cold wave wash over him. His business had had some bad luck lately.

He stuffed the letter back in the book and jammed the book onto the shelf. He turned and fled, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of the truth. He felt as though everyone could see his own secrets laid bare.