Gemotions

The small bookstore was his sanctuary. The scent of old paper and leather, the quiet hum of turning pages, it was all heaven. He felt such a sense of peace here. Ethan had spent the afternoon lost in the shelves, discovering forgotten authors, and feeling so very good. As he walked toward the counter, he saw his wife, Emily, huddled in a corner, phone pressed to her ear, speaking in a whisper. She looked up as he approached, and a look of surprise flashed across her face, followed by an awkward smile as she quickly tucked her phone away. He felt… puzzled.