Gemotions

David found the book in a bookstore, a lurid cover depicting a caricature of himself. He felt a sudden, inexplicable heat flush his face. He’d never granted anyone permission to write about him. He should be furious, but instead, a strange sort of dread settled deep within him.

He reached out, tentatively touching the cover. His fingers trembled slightly. He noticed his breath was coming in short, shallow bursts. He imagined the words inside, the secrets exposed, the half-truths amplified. He wanted to turn and run, to vanish into the crowd of people browsing nearby.