Gemotions

He wanted to scream. Thomas leaned against the brick wall of the alley, the dampness seeping through his jeans. The argument with his father. The cutting remarks. The book, *Great Expectations*, felt heavy in his hands. He’d sought refuge in the words, a story of longing and aspiration.

A small, intricately folded origami crane fell from the pages. A note was tucked inside: "I hope you find your way." It was the unspoken understanding of someone else's pain. It made him feel exposed. The small, silent acknowledgement of his grief, a burden he carried alone.