Gemotions

The library was quiet, the only sound the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. Arthur sat hunched over the ancient metal box, his shoulders slumped. He’d been searching for a particular book, a first edition, and instead, found this oddity tucked away in a seldom-used corner. His eyes felt gritty, and his head swam from the accumulated hours.

He’d lost his glasses. He ran a hand through his thinning hair, trying to remember what was in it. His fingers fumbled with the clasp. He just wanted to leave.