Gemotions

“Unbelievable.” Marco muttered, staring at the biography spread on his desk. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture automatic, one he used when he was flustered. He felt like his heart had dropped into his stomach.

He didn't know the author. He didn't know *why*. He'd lived a simple life, a life of work and quiet evenings. He found himself wondering if it might be a mistake. A prank. It was a book. Books could be wrong, he thought.

He thought of his parents, who had always valued privacy above all else. His hands clenched into fists. He thought about how they'd react if they knew. A wave of helplessness washed over him. He felt the sting of tears in his eyes.

He closed the book with a snap, the sound echoing in the silent room. He couldn't. He didn't know if he could even read it. He was suddenly exhausted, and everything seemed to weigh him down.