Gemotions

Rain lashed against the bookstore window, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Marcus. He tapped his foot, the rhythmic thump a counterpoint to the slow tick of the antique clock. He was desperate for a distraction. Stuck waiting for his date, who was always late.

He’d selected a biography on a whim, desperate to fill the interminable void. A small, stiff rectangle peeked out from between pages. He yanked it free.

It was a letter, addressed to someone named “Darling.” The words were smeared, as if the ink had been wept on. It spoke of stolen glances and unspoken affections. Marcus, in his current mood, felt a flicker of envy.