Gemotions

He slammed the book shut, the cover slapping against the dusty table. *The Old Curiosity Shop* – another dud from the charity shop. He’d been hunting for a specific edition all day, only to find this… this thing.

He ran a hand through his already tousled hair, a hot prickling crawling up his neck. A small, cream-colored envelope, wedged between the pages, fluttered out. Great. More garbage. He picked it up with the tips of his fingers, as if afraid to touch it.

He ripped it open, the paper tearing easily. The writing was elegant, flowing, but the words… He muttered a curse under his breath, then crumpled the note and tossed it into the overflowing bin.