Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the earthy scent of the library, a familiar comfort. He sat surrounded by stacks of books, the quiet hum of the air conditioning a white noise that allowed him to focus. He had been so proud. He’d poured all his energy into the article on medieval alchemy.

He opened the journal. The article was there, published. The byline... it was a different name.

The books seemed to press in on him, the quiet hum of the library now a suffocating drone. He pushed the chair back from the table, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The walls of the library were suddenly too close, the air too thin. He needed to get out, away from the scene of the crime.