Gemotions

The dim light of the library barely illuminated the words on the page. Daniel, seeking a distraction from the constant disappointment that colored his life, had chosen a worn copy of *The Count of Monte Cristo*. A small, yellowed envelope slipped out, catching his eye.

The contents of the envelope: a single photograph. It depicted a smiling couple, arm in arm, their faces radiating a joy Daniel rarely experienced. He didn't know the people, but the image sparked a fury. He felt a deep, instinctive antipathy towards their happiness, a sensation like a bitter taste in his mouth.

He stared at the photograph, his jaw clenched. He was supposed to be happy. He *should* be happy. He closed his eyes and saw his reflection in the dark glass of the bookshelf, a man trapped, a man who had lost his way. With a sigh, he replaced the photo and closed the book, wanting to get far away from this place.