Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox, unread. Her fingers drummed a frantic tattoo against the worn desk. Each beat echoed the relentless thumping in her chest. She swiveled in her chair, staring out the window at the swaying branches of the oak tree. The sunlight, usually a comfort, felt harsh, highlighting every tiny imperfection in the glass. She took a ragged breath. The screen mocked her, a cold, silent judgment.

She reached for a mug of lukewarm coffee, the ceramic strangely cool against her trembling hands. The delay in opening it was agonizing, an eternity stretching before the inevitable disappointment. She imagined the words, already composed in her mind: "Thank you for your submission..." followed by the predictable rejection.

Finally, she clicked. Her eyes scanned the text, words blurring into an indistinct jumble. The pit in her stomach deepened. She squeezed her eyes shut, and swallowed hard, feeling a prickle of sweat on her forehead. The oak tree seemed to lean closer, its shadow engulfing her.