Gemotions

He stared at the title. "James Riley: The Quiet Man." His hands started to sweat. He had built his life on privacy, on anonymity. Now, here it was, exposed for all to see. He felt a sharp jab of pain in his chest.

His breathing grew shallow, rapid. He backed away from the book, as if it were a dangerous object. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to flee.

He grabbed his coat and keys, the movements mechanical, and without a second thought, he left, slamming the door behind him. The cool night air offered little solace.