Gemotions

The discovery sent a jolt of electricity through her. The letter, discovered within *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, felt like a secret whispered just for her. Her hand tightened around the book, knuckles white. She was alone in the cluttered bookstore, the scent of old paper and dust thick in the air. She needed to know everything, but she couldn’t trust anyone.

She carefully folded the letter back up, tucking it deep inside her bag. She forced herself to breathe slowly, but her heart raced. She walked through the aisles, pretending to browse the shelves. She scanned the faces of the other customers, assessing their intentions. She walked past the shop owner, his face friendly. She found the exit and left quickly. The world felt dangerous.