Gemotions

The old, leather-bound book, its pages yellowed with age, lay open on the kitchen table. He turned a page, slowly. It was a first edition of "The Picture of Dorian Gray." It had arrived that morning, from a former student, Arthur, who had always had an unhealthy obsession with beauty and youth. Mr. Grant stood, his throat tight.

He walked over to the door and locked it. He went from room to room, flicking on lights, checking under furniture. He felt the blood pounding in his ears. It wasn't the book itself, but the memory of Arthur's gaze.

He ran a hand through his hair. Something in his gut told him this wasn’t just a gift. It was more than that. He just couldn't say what.