Gemotions

The musty smell of the bookstore clung to Amelia's fingers as she traced the spine of the well-worn copy of *Wuthering Heights*. Another rejection letter lay crumpled in her inbox; another door slammed shut. Her lower lip trembled, and she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to stave off the familiar sting of tears. Reaching for the book, she opened it at random, her gaze falling upon a yellowed piece of paper. A letter.

The script was delicate, almost hesitant, and as she began to read, her breath hitched. The words spoke of unrequited love, of a heart laid bare. A tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. She pressed the letter to her chest, the paper cool against her skin. It was as if someone understood the way her own emotions felt, the ache that seemed to reside permanently just behind her sternum.