Gemotions

She practically vibrated with excitement as she unlocked the door to the old bookstore. The air smelled of aged paper and forgotten stories, a scent that always ignited her senses. She’d promised Mark a tour, and she was bursting with pride, eager to showcase her sanctuary.

Mark trailed in behind her, looking puzzled. "Wow, this is… different," he said, his voice flat.

She spun around, gesturing expansively. "Isn’t it amazing? I can't wait to show you the first editions section!" She practically skipped to a nearby shelf.

Mark’s face was a mask of confusion. "But I thought we were going to the museum? You said you were desperate to see the exhibit on ancient pottery."

Her enthusiasm deflated slightly. Pottery? The words felt foreign on her tongue. Her heart rate, which had been elevated, began to stutter. She focused on the smell of paper, trying to re-center. "No, this is what we planned. Remember the bookstore?"