Gemotions

The anonymous delivery was a book, a thick, leather-bound volume. Inside, a handwritten inscription: “For Mr. Bell, from a debt repaid.” Mr. Bell held the book in his hands, unable to meet his own eyes.

The book was from Ben, a former student who’d struggled with addiction. He’d helped Ben more than once, and had tried to help get him back on track. Now, this. He felt a chill run down his spine.

He flipped through the pages, but the words blurred before his eyes. The feeling of unease, a prickly sensation that crawled beneath his skin, intensified. He squeezed his eyes shut.

He took another deep breath, trying to steady himself. The room seemed too small, the air too thick. He took his coat and stepped outside, not wanting to think about what was happening.