Gemotions

The musty scent of aged paper filled Amelia's nostrils as she thumbed through the used copy of "Wuthering Heights." A small, folded piece of parchment fluttered loose. She retrieved it, fingers fumbling slightly, the suddenness of the discovery a cold shock. Her pulse quickened. She glanced around the nearly empty bookstore, even though no one was near. The small note felt heavy in her hand.

She unfolded the paper with deliberate slowness, her breath catching in her throat as she smoothed it out. The handwriting was elegant, looping script. The words were simple enough, a short, cryptic message. A knot tightened in her stomach. What was the purpose?

She quickly refolded the note, stuffing it deep into her pocket. Her eyes darted around the store again, lingering on the shadows cast by the afternoon sun. She paid for the book, a curt 'thank you' the only sound she made, and hurried out, already plotting her return to her apartment.