Gemotions

He’d pictured this moment so many times, rehearsing his joyous reaction. Now, the reality was a silent, suffocating blow. Mark crumpled the email in his fist, the paper crackling like a dying ember.

He found himself pacing the cramped space of his apartment, a restless energy coursing through him. He stopped at the window, staring out at the world as if looking for answers. The city lights blurred in his tear-filled eyes.

He picked up the manuscript from his desk. He thought about throwing it in the bin, or simply leaving it there. It felt like a decision. It felt like nothing.