Gemotions

He had been so proud. He’d envisioned the day when his name would be in print. He’d daydreamed about the impact his work would make. Now, he felt the weight of the lie pressing down on him. The publication had been everything he dreamed of, but not in the way he'd dreamt it.

He sat on the park bench, the newspaper clutched in his sweaty hand. The joy of the accomplishment was gone, replaced by a dull ache. He watched children play, their laughter echoing around him, but he couldn't find it within himself to smile. The sun felt too bright, the world too loud.