Gemotions

The librarian’s hushed tones and the scent of old paper usually calmed him, but not today. Ben ripped the email open, the harsh fluorescent lights of the library seemed to buzz around him. He felt as if a heavy weight had settled in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He slammed his fist down on the table, the noise a disruptive crack in the silence. The woman at the counter looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and disapproval. Ben ignored her. He pushed himself away from the table, scraping the chair against the floor.

He needed to escape, to be away from the stifling atmosphere, away from the suffocating rejection. He stalked out of the library, the automatic doors sliding open as if to release him.