Gemotions

The bookstore was a haven from the biting wind, and the ache in his shoulders and neck. He slumped onto a bench, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He’d picked up a copy of *The Odyssey*, hoping to be transported far away from his current woes. A feeling of dread settled in his gut; he just wanted everything to be simple.

He opened the book, letting the pages fall where they may. He found a folded piece of paper. He unfolded it and his fingers trembled slightly. Inside, there was a poem, scrawled in a frantic hand, about the overwhelming weight of duty, of promises made and broken. He recognised those feelings all too well. He wanted to scream.