Gemotions

The antique bookstore smelled of aged paper and distant memories. Clara traced the spine of the well-worn copy of “Pride and Prejudice” with a fingertip. She’d spent the afternoon there, meandering through the towering shelves, the only other sound the gentle ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner. She knew this place. It was part of her routine. Her fingers closed around the book, pulling it from the shelf.

The book fell open, as if welcoming her. A yellowed envelope, tucked within, fluttered to her lap. Her pulse, steady and even, barely noticed. She picked it up, the paper brittle between her fingers, and carefully removed the folded letter. A smile played on her lips as she read the graceful script, the words a gentle breeze on her consciousness.