Gemotions

The bookstore was crammed, but Maya stood rooted to the spot, staring at the displayed anthology. There, on the glossy cover, was her name, beneath the title of her essay. Her stomach felt hollow, like she’d skipped lunch.

She'd poured her heart into that essay, recalling the firefly nights of her childhood. She’d worried about sounding cliché, or, worse, boring. Now, others would read about her most personal experience. She felt a strange tingling sensation, from her scalp to her toes.

She touched the cover, her fingertips tracing the letters. A wave of exhilaration crashed over her. She whispered, "No way." She had to tell someone, she thought, and quickly.