Gemotions

“Well, this is awkward,” muttered Leo under his breath. He had traveled halfway across the country, fueled by a yearning for connection, to see if he could reconnect with his long-lost friend, Jason. He'd found him working in a small bookstore, and the years melted away when he'd seen him. Until he spoke.

“I’m afraid I don’t know you," Jason had said, tilting his head with a slight frown. "Are you sure you have the right guy?"

Leo's stomach churned. The comforting scent of old books, usually a source of joy, now felt oppressive. The gentle hum of conversation in the bookstore became a grating noise. He wanted to rip the place apart, to scream at the injustice of it all. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to breathe, wanting to punch a hole through the nearest bookshelf. He muttered a quick goodbye, his voice rough with unshed emotion, and turned to escape.