Gemotions

The bookstore display was the final insult. "Ava: The Untold Story," the cover proclaimed, the image of her face plastered on every single book. She'd walked in to buy a birthday present and stumbled upon her own life story. Disgust rose in her throat.

She wanted to scream, to lash out, but instead, she stood rooted, watching the customers pick up the book, reading the lies. She wanted to tell them it wasn't true, that they were being deceived.

She fled the store, her face burning with shame. The bustling city, usually a source of energy, now felt like a cage. She walked for hours, tears streaming down her face, the weight of the book, of the false narrative, crushing her. She finally ducked into a small cafe, seeking refuge from the world.