Gemotions

The antique shop was her idea of heaven. Books stacked high, the scent of old wood and forgotten things. But now, clutching the book in her hands, she felt a rising tide of dissatisfaction. The book, a first edition of "Pride and Prejudice," was supposed to be the jewel in her collection. It would be worth a fortune.

But when she opened it, a letter fell out. It was a love letter, written on beautiful parchment, the ink as dark as her mood. The letter spoke of a passionate, forbidden affair. She was disgusted.

She examined the script. The handwriting was neat, elegant. She imagined the writer, the recipient. Jealousy, unbidden, clawed at her throat. She slammed the book closed, the sound echoing in the silent shop. She didn't want this.