Gemotions

The newspaper, the campus publication, had done it. They’d published his essay, his most private thoughts on his relationship with his parents. Mark felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He hadn't known they could, or would. He'd assumed his application materials were confidential.

His gaze flickered around the cafe, taking in the bustling students. Each face, each conversation, seemed now infused with a new significance. They might be reading his words. They might be judging him. He clenched his jaw, feeling a tightening in his neck.

He took a large gulp of his latte, the coffee suddenly bitter. He fumbled for his phone, his fingers clumsy on the screen. He needed to find out, to understand. He had no control over the situation, and the realization was paralyzing. His body felt heavy, anchored to his chair.