Gemotions

The librarian gave a sympathetic frown when she saw Eliza's reddened eyes. The library, her sanctuary, now felt tainted. The offending book sat in a prominent display, its cover bearing a painfully familiar photograph.

“Can I help you, dear?” the librarian asked gently. Eliza shook her head, unable to speak. Instead, she pointed at the book. Her fingers trembled. She was mortified.

She turned and fled, almost knocking over a stack of books. Outside, the air felt cold against her burning skin. She quickened her pace, her shoulders hunched, desperate to escape the prying eyes, the whispers she imagined were following her.