Gemotions

The rejection letter lay open on the worn, wooden table. A wave of dizziness washed over her, making the small, cluttered kitchen swim before her eyes. The scent of coffee, usually a comfort, now felt cloying, oppressive. She felt almost weightless.

Her breath hitched in her throat, a choked sound lost in the sudden, echoing quiet of the room. The vibrant posters adorning her walls seemed to mock her, silent reminders of aspirations now seemingly out of reach. Disappointment felt hollow.

She stumbled, reached for the back of a kitchen chair, as if needing some anchor to keep herself from floating away. Her hand felt numb.