Gemotions

He stared at the digital announcement, his fingers frozen on the mouse. His essay. Being used as an example. His throat felt tight. He felt a sudden heat rising in his chest, then a coldness in his extremities.

He walked to the window, staring out at the rain-slicked street below. He felt a strange disconnect, as if he were watching himself from a distance. The essay, a snapshot of his aspirations, now seemed like an invitation for scrutiny.

He needed to escape. He went to the kitchen and made himself a cup of tea, the movements jerky and hurried. He took a sip, the hot liquid doing nothing to soothe his inner turmoil. He was being exposed.