Gemotions

“Oh, bother,” muttered Sarah, her voice a low rumble. She’d bought the book, *Anne of Green Gables*, hoping for a bit of cheer. A slip of paper fluttered out. It was a receipt.

It was from a jewelry store. The date was old, the item a ring. A gift never given. She, too, had been afraid to take chances, afraid to risk her comfort. She'd let love pass her by, choosing the easy path. The world blurred around her. A deep weariness settled over her. She gently folded the receipt and put it back in the book, then closed the cover, its vibrant picture suddenly dull.