Gemotions

The first sentence, the first paragraph, the first chapter: each line a carefully crafted jab. Alex read his novel, each page a fresh wound. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar sting of tears she refused to shed.

Her fingers trembled as she held the book. The words, once so intimate, now seemed like alien invaders, burrowing under her skin. He had taken their history, their shared experiences, and poisoned them.

She went into the backyard and found the shovel in the shed. She started digging in the dirt. It took a long time, and the sun beat down on her, but eventually she dug a deep enough hole. She placed the book inside.