Gemotions

The rejection letter had stung, but this…this was worse. Maria saw the glossy magazine cover. Her short story, “The Last Lighthouse Keeper,” was featured, and below the title was the name: “Brenda Miller.” She let out a small, involuntary gasp.

She sank onto the sofa, the colorful fabric suddenly feeling coarse and irritating against her skin. She grabbed a throw pillow, clutching it to her chest as if to ward off a blow. Her heart raced, hammering against her ribs. She felt as though the very ground had shifted beneath her feet.