Gemotions

The university bookstore was a labyrinth of books and eager faces. Liam, a graduate now, had stumbled upon his essay’s appearance in the “College Admissions Handbook.” He'd seen the book, knew it existed, but to find his words inside of it was another matter entirely.

He stood in the aisle, frozen, staring at the cover. He felt a strange tingling sensation, almost like a buzzing. It didn't feel like pride. It felt more like a mocking echo of his past self.

He picked up a copy, flipped it open, and skimmed his words. They were still there, still the same. He put the book back on the shelf, his jaw set in a hard line. He walked away, feeling a subtle itch in the back of his mind.