Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in Maria’s hand, the lukewarm liquid sloshing precariously. She stood, staring at the discarded book on the floor, the cover a familiar, worn shade. Her roommate, Chloe, had left it there. Accidentally, of course. Maria knew she’d read it.

She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Why hadn't she been more careful? How had she let her guard down so completely? She wanted to tear up the pages and bury them somewhere never to be seen.

She moved slowly, and then she bent down and picked up the book. The action seemed to amplify her distress.