Gemotions

The library felt suffocating, the air thick with the hushed whispers and the scent of old paper. Ben hated libraries. The silence was oppressive. He tapped his pen on the table, a tiny, rebellious act against the enforced quiet. The whole thing was irritating. He wanted to scream. He was waiting for a meeting, but he had no interest.

He was supposed to meet "Ava" at the reference desk to plan their next steps. She was already late. He had a tight schedule today, and the delay was making him even more on edge.

He looked up as a woman with a cascade of red hair approached. "Ben?" she whispered.

He just nodded.

"I'm Ava, so sorry."

A second woman came up behind her. "Ben? What are you doing here?" Her tone was incredulous.