Gemotions

He’d poured over the feedback for hours, each negative comment a tiny pinprick. The dream publisher, the one with the quirky covers and the championing of new voices, had politely declined his novel. Michael stared at the pristine white walls of his apartment. He knew the editor’s job was to say no a lot. His gut twisted at the thought of the editor's face as they read his manuscript, a look of weary disappointment probably.

He opened his laptop and, without thinking, began to research different types of paper. He wanted to buy a very expensive, very beautiful writing pad for his friend, Sarah. She had been struggling to find a job, and had recently suffered a painful breakup. He considered the logistics, the cost, the best delivery options.