Gemotions

The book lay open on the kitchen counter, the spine cracked like an old bone. Amelia stared at it, the glossy cover staring back. “Amelia Harding: A Life Unveiled.” Her life, unveiled without her permission. A chill crept up her spine, despite the summer heat. She’d made coffee, but the mug remained untouched, steam curling away like lost thoughts.

Her hands shook as she picked up the book. The introduction, a flowery and presumptuous declaration of her “remarkable journey,” felt like a slap in the face. She slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in the silent apartment. Walking over to the window, she drew back the curtains with a sharp tug. Sunlight flooded the room, but offered no warmth to her icy core.

She wanted to scream. Instead, she started pacing, her steps quick and agitated, a caged animal desperate for an escape.