Gemotions

The queue at the checkout counter crawled along at a glacial pace. David, arms crossed, shifted from foot to foot. He had a meeting in thirty minutes. He grabbed a copy of “Moby Dick” from a bargain bin, hoping to appease his frustration.

He flipped the book open, seeking the easiest page to start on. A slip of paper spilled out. He snatched it up, shoving it roughly into his pocket. He'd look at it later, he decided. The book was a distraction, an escape.

The letter, when he finally examined it, was short, blunt. A goodbye. A final plea. David felt his annoyance dissipate, replaced by a strange sense of empathy. He wished he had more time.