Gemotions

The scent of old paper and dust filled the air as Robert opened his recently acquired copy of "The Lord of the Rings." He'd purchased it online, attracted by the illustrations on the cover. He’d always felt a pull toward fantasy, a longing for something more.

As he started to read, a single, dried rose petal slipped out. He picked it up gingerly, turning it over in his fingers. Pressed behind it, a small handwritten letter.

He unfolded the paper. The handwriting was elegant, sophisticated. It was a confession of love, from a woman to a man. It spoke of a burning affection, of shared dreams and hopes, never to be. He swallowed hard.