Gemotions

The stale air tasted like the old library she used to frequent as a child. A sudden ache in Ben's chest reminded him of his grandpa, a man who loved to read. He glanced at Sarah, his coworker, her face etched with a mix of boredom and annoyance. He wondered if she had a similar feeling of longing for something that was gone.

"Anything interesting happening in your life, Ben?" Sarah asked, attempting to make conversation. The question tugged at something deep inside him.

He thought of Saturday afternoons spent with his grandfather, lost in tales of knights and dragons. He thought of the heavy scent of old books that filled the library. He felt the phantom weight of his grandfather's hand on his shoulder as they'd walk home, discussing the plots they'd been so enthralled with.

"Just… work stuff," he mumbled, trying to push away the memories. The elevator rattled again, a sound that seemed to intensify the ache in his chest.