Gemotions

The letter arrived in the mail, crisp and official-looking. Inside, a pamphlet. “Inspiring Essays, Vol. 7.” And there it was: her name, her essay title, her picture. A cold shudder ran down her spine. The paper felt heavy, like a weight.

She felt like she was trapped in a glass box, and everyone was staring. She felt the urge to hide, to disappear. She clutched the pamphlet, crumpling the edges slightly. The past, the painstakingly constructed narrative of her application, was now being scrutinized.

She needed air. She opened the window, the cold breeze offering little comfort. She felt a tightening in her chest, a difficulty breathing. She reread a paragraph. The vulnerability… she was certain it was a mistake.