Gemotions

The bookstore smelled of old paper and dust, a scent that usually soothed Leo. Now, it only emphasized the ache in his stomach. The job interview. The curt dismissal. The way the interviewer had looked right through him, as if he were invisible. He needed an escape. He picked up a copy of *The Count of Monte Cristo*, hoping for adventure.

A small, folded drawing fell out. It depicted a stick figure, arms outstretched, beneath a crude sun. Beside it, written in childish scrawl, was: "I failed. Again." He closed his eyes, the words echoing his own feelings, a shared sentiment of failure that made him feel even smaller.