Gemotions

“Congratulations, Bethany! Your piece…” The words swam before her eyes. It wasn't hers. A cold wave washed over her. It was a sensation of… exposure, of being insignificant. She gripped the edge of her desk, her knuckles white.

She had always been taught to be polite, to be quiet, to be agreeable. She didn't have the strength to confront anyone. She didn't have the stamina to engage in conflict. The thought made her feel physically ill. She felt a sense of resignation, and a wave of nausea.

Later that evening, she found herself staring at the screen, staring at the published article, her name absent. The feeling was a heavy weight on her shoulders, the feeling of not being able to speak up, the feeling of not being able to say anything.