Gemotions

He gripped the letter like a lifeline, his knuckles white against the aged paper. The old book, a first edition of *Moby Dick*, felt heavy in his hands. He'd found the letter while browsing the shelves of a little library. He hadn't expected to find anything of value, but now he was flooded with a feeling he couldn’t place. He had to be cautious.

He returned to his small apartment, locking the door behind him. He looked out the peephole, scanning the hallway. His breath hitched. He closed the curtains and turned on all the lights. He wasn't sure who or what he was afraid of, but the feeling was undeniable, a cold knot tightening in his stomach. He wasn't safe.