Gemotions

The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall echoed like a drumbeat in Sarah's ears. She felt a lightness in her head as she carefully turned each page. The novel's protagonist, Claire, was a younger, bolder version of herself. Her jaw ached. She felt exposed.

The words, beautifully written, detailed experiences, conversations, and feelings that Sarah had never shared with anyone, not even her husband, Daniel. The implications of this felt oppressive.

She had an urge to scream, to lash out, to demand answers. Instead, she sat frozen, her chest tight. She was desperate to understand what he thought of her, what he'd been seeing. Her hands trembled, and she felt like she might throw up.