Gemotions

The constant ringing in his ears, both literal and metaphorical, was driving him mad. The world seemed to be closing in. He needed to find some kind of peace. He’d gone to the bookstore, hoping the quiet would offer some relief from the chaos.

He selected a worn copy of "The Odyssey". As he turned the pages, a photograph slid out. It was a black and white image of a smiling couple, their arms intertwined. A date was scribbled on the back, and it was decades ago.

He stared at the photograph, his mouth a thin line. A hot flush crept up his neck. He felt a sudden, fierce pang of something that felt like envy. The book felt suddenly heavy and he dropped it, almost as though it was an accusation.