Gemotions

The bookstore was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the fluorescent lights. Liam, browsing the "bargain books" section, had unearthed a worn copy of *The Odyssey*. He had been so excited to find it. As he was opening the cover, a small, dried flower tumbled out.

It was a perfect, little forget-me-not, its delicate blue petals still vibrant despite their age. He picked it up with a tenderness that surprised him. A profound disorientation overtook him. Where had it come from? Who had placed it there?

He sniffed the flower. It gave off no scent, but instead, it conjured up a feeling of something lost, something mourned. He stared at it, a confusing mix of melancholy and curiosity washing over him. The book in his hands suddenly felt less important.