Gemotions

The silence of the library pressed in on him. He usually loved the hushed atmosphere, the smell of old paper, the promise of stories. Now, the very place felt tainted. He sat at his usual table, surrounded by the very books that used to provide comfort and hope.

He’d come to the library seeking escape, but even the familiar shelves offered no solace. The news, the accusations, the confirmed plagiarism, had burrowed deep, infecting his sense of trust. He could barely focus on the book in front of him, his mind replaying the evidence, the betrayal.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, but the only response that emerged was a tight knot in his throat. He closed his eyes, took a shaky breath, and rested his head on his arms, the weight of disappointment crushing him.