Gemotions

Liam swallowed hard, the lump in his throat refusing to budge. He stared at the email, the subject line a brutal punch: "Congratulations! Your essay is featured on the admissions website!" He’d been so proud, so optimistic, when he crafted the essay. It detailed his awkward first attempts at connecting with his younger brother.

Now, he felt a creeping sensation in his gut, a cold dread that spread to his extremities. His palms began to sweat. He pictured it: dozens, maybe hundreds, of people dissecting his insecurities, judging his awkwardness. He wanted to delete the email, to pretend he hadn't seen it, but it wouldn't change anything. The words were out there, echoing in the digital void.