Gemotions

The rhythmic clack of the train tracks lulled me into a strange state of stillness. My mind, usually a whirlwind of activity, felt strangely blank. I gazed at the passing scenery, the blurred fields and trees, and realised I had to get this project finished. My fingers drummed on the worn leather of my bag. This book... It held everything.

A woman sat across from me, her eyes locked on a laptop. She was writing. Suddenly, she looked up, her gaze meeting mine. Her eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.

"Is that...?" she began, gesturing towards my bag. I felt a chill, a tightening in my throat. I already knew. The way she was looking at me, the book open on her lap – the cover of my unfinished novel, my heart sank.