Gemotions

The musty scent of aged paper and binding filled Amelia’s nostrils as she turned the final page. She’d always loved the feel of a used book, the history held within its covers. But this one… this one was different. A brittle piece of stationary fluttered loose, landing in her lap. Her hands trembled as she picked it up, unfolding the fragile paper. The neat, precise script of an unknown hand filled the page.

Her breath hitched. The words, a confession of sorts, spoke of a life lived in shadow, a secret lover, a dangerous bargain. Amelia felt a coldness creep through her. She felt a need to look over her shoulder. The comforting familiarity of her living room suddenly felt menacing, the shadows in the corners deepening. She found herself reaching for her phone, a vague urge to call someone, anyone, to simply hear a familiar voice.