Gemotions

"Congratulations!" The words rung in Julian's ears. He could barely muster a smile. He was sitting on the porch steps, the humid air heavy around him. The email he'd been dreading was real. The university had published his essay, "The Geometry of Growth."

He felt the energy leave him, his limbs growing heavy. The triumph that he hoped to feel was nonexistent. He had wanted to share his passions, his vulnerabilities. Now, they were on display, under scrutiny.

The cicadas buzzed in the trees, a relentless, irritating sound. He leaned his head against the porch column, wanting to disappear. The feeling of… emptiness was the only truth.