Gemotions

The small, unassuming pamphlet, "College Essay Showcase," lay on her desk. She picked it up, her fingers tracing the cover. There it was: her essay about her struggles with a learning disability. Her carefully crafted words, revealing her vulnerabilities. Now printed for all to see.

Her stomach lurched. She felt a sudden, intense need to rip the pamphlet to shreds. Instead, she sat down heavily, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in. She felt a rising tide of panic, a sense of being utterly exposed. She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking, unable to stop the sudden, forceful tremor that ran through her body.