Gemotions

The late-night light from the reading lamp cast a warm glow on Amelia’s face as she found the novel. She hadn't even known David was writing. The cover, a plain, unadorned white, held her breath. "The Gardener's Wife," it declared, beneath a sketched illustration of a woman tending roses.

Her heart skipped a beat as she read the dedication: "For Amelia, the sun in my garden." A small, involuntary smile played on her lips. She traced the letters with her finger.

She opened the book. The main character, a woman named Eleanor, bore an uncanny resemblance to herself. The novel followed Eleanor through her daily life, filled with the small joys and quiet struggles that made up Amelia’s own existence. A warmth bloomed in her chest, chasing away any lingering weariness from the day. She wanted to know more. She poured herself a cup of chamomile tea and settled back into bed.

She read late into the night. When David came to bed, she simply put the book on the bedside table and reached out, touching his arm gently. She was sure he could feel the comfort she was feeling.