Gemotions

The party was in full swing, but Jessica found the laughter and music grating. She had been ecstatic to have her piece on sustainability published. Now, the glow had gone. Seeing the article, credited to someone else, had robbed her of her joy.

She excused herself from a conversation and found a quiet corner, away from the revelry. Her chest felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. She ran a hand through her hair, tangling the strands.

She swallowed hard, feeling as though a rock was lodged in her throat. She needed to be alone, to process this. She thought about everything she had worked for and the possible repercussions.