Gemotions

It was the fifth city in as many months, a restless flight from something she couldn't name. She moved through the world like a ghost, her possessions a carefully curated collection of essentials. Sunlight felt too bright, the crowds too loud. This time, she was working in a bookstore, shelving dusty tomes.

The scent of old paper and leather usually soothed her, but today it was oppressive. She felt a growing sense of unrest, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her limbs felt heavy, and she dropped a stack of books, the thud echoing in the quiet store.

A young man with kind eyes rushed over, his hand outstretched to help her. His face mirrored her own pale complexion. He took a tentative step back, then looked at her with concern. "Are you getting dizzy? It sometimes feels like… I am being squeezed, right?"