Gemotions

“Congratulations!” his mother had beamed, her face radiant. The excitement, the pride – it made her sickness worse. It felt like she was drowning in the guilt of letting her down. She could hardly meet her mother's eye. Now, the congratulations felt like a punch to the gut. The university’s email, a mere formality, had shattered her foundation.

She forced a smile, the muscles in her face aching. She listened to her mother's plans to celebrate, making noncommittal noises. Later, she excused herself and went to her room. She looked at her reflection, and the face staring back at her was a stranger, twisted by a pain she could not name. She went to the bed and lay down.