Gemotions

She sat in the bustling cafe, nursing a lukewarm coffee. The book, tucked away in her oversized tote bag, felt like a lead weight. Everywhere she looked, she saw people, potential readers, judging eyes.

She hadn't been able to sleep since she found out. Every shadow in her apartment took on the form of the woman who wrote the book. Every creak of the floorboards became the sound of her secrets being laid bare.

She pulled out her phone, and opened her contacts. She wanted to call her mother. She wanted to ask her if her childhood was accurately portrayed. She wanted to confide, but she just shut off the phone.