Gemotions

The librarian, Arthur, felt a strange pressure in his ears, a feeling of imbalance. He had just seen Ms. Finch, who always borrowed books on the cost of living, casually donate a seven-figure sum to the local library.

She was a regular. He enjoyed recommending books to her. He had grown to know her face. Her lifestyle never seemed to hint at wealth. She knew the library rules to the letter.

He gripped the counter, his knuckles white. Everything felt skewed, distorted. The usual quiet murmur of the library suddenly seemed deafening. His mind spun, trying to make sense of the absurdity.