Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windowpane, mirroring the relentless drumming in Elias's skull. He slouched further into the threadbare armchair, the newspaper trembling in his grip. The damn thing had been a mistake, a foolish, youthful attempt at profundity. Now, here it was, splashed across the admissions office website, under the headline: “Exemplary Essay: The Power of Vulnerability.” He felt a knot tighten in his gut.

He slammed the paper down. Years. He had moved on. He had a life. Why did it have to resurface now? He ran a hand through his already messy hair, a fresh wave of heat flushing his cheeks. The coffee on the table was cold. He pushed the cup away.

He considered smashing the laptop against the wall, but he didn’t. He had things to do, bills to pay, a life he didn't want to mess up. He just wished he could rip out that page, shred the whole damned thing, and bury it deep where no one would ever see it.