Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the bookstore suddenly seemed muted, the scent of old paper and ink a suffocating blanket. Sarah had just seen the news about her favorite author, Julian Frost. The accusations felt like a physical blow. A dull throb began in her temples.

She had always dreamt of meeting Frost, of telling him how much his words had meant to her. Now, the very idea filled her with a strange, unpleasant feeling. She felt a surge of nausea. She ran a hand over her forehead.

She drifted through the aisles, the familiar titles on the shelves now seeming alien and unfamiliar. She wanted to leave, but her legs felt like lead. She felt an increasing ache in her chest, a painful knot that wouldn’t release.