Gemotions

The cafe door chimed as Leo entered, his stomach churning. He'd seen the book, "The Accidental Astrologer," displayed prominently in the window of the bookshop. He’d flipped through it, recognizing his childhood home, his awkward teenage photos, even his first, disastrous date with Sarah. Now, every glance felt like an invasion.

He ordered a coffee, his voice barely a whisper, and retreated to a corner table. He hunched over the mug, the warmth doing little to soothe the chill that had settled in his bones. Every head turn felt like an accusation, a silent judgement based on the book's contents.

The barista called out his name, and Leo flinched. He almost knocked over his coffee as he hurried to collect it, his cheeks burning. He imagined them all reading about his fear of commitment, his obsession with vintage typewriters, his tendency to pick at his cuticles when nervous.