Gemotions

The editor’s polite refusal felt like a punch to the gut. The world swam before Leo’s eyes. He retreated to his apartment. He was usually so resilient, so full of energy, but the news had drained him, leaving him feeling hollow.

He collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. The manuscript sat on his nightstand, the source of both his joy and his torment. It had seemed so promising, so vibrant, and now it was just...rejected.

He closed his eyes, his mind replaying the editor’s comments: "not quite right," "lacking originality," "not a fit for our list." The criticisms stung. He felt the sting of humiliation. He was a failure.