Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with chatter, but for Emily, the sounds seemed distant, muffled. She nursed her latte, her hands trembling slightly. She’d been enjoying a rare moment of relaxation when she’d received the email. Her essay, the one about her childhood fear of the ocean, had been chosen for an essay collection.

She replayed the email in her mind. Now, people would read it, judge it. She felt a sudden urge to flee, to hide, to disappear. A wave of nausea washed over her. She put down her mug, the ceramic cold against her shaking fingers.

She gathered her belongings, pushing past the tables, her eyes scanning the room, as if searching for an escape. She needed space, air, a place where she could breathe.