Gemotions

Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Eleanor’s head. She’d promised to grade the essays by Friday, and the stack on her desk seemed to multiply with every blink. Avoiding the task, she'd wandered into the used bookstore, seeking solace amongst the silent tomes.

A worn copy of "Pride and Prejudice" called to her. Back home, curled on the sofa, she began to read. Halfway through Chapter 1, a small, folded piece of paper fluttered out. Her breath hitched.

Unfurling the brittle paper, she saw looping cursive. *My dearest Eliza,* it began. It was a love letter. A wave of something akin to jealousy washed over her, followed by a strange ache. It had nothing to do with her but somehow it made the essay grading feel even less bearable. She tossed the letter back in the book and walked away.