Gemotions

The rejection letter was slick, the paper a stark white that seemed to mock Maya. Her fingers trembled as she reread the polite, dismissive prose. A wave of heat flushed her cheeks. Down the hall, she could hear Sarah, the recipient, already regaling everyone with tales of her future travels, her voice high and bright. Maya slammed the letter onto the desk, the sound sharp in the sudden quiet of the library. It felt as if her throat had constricted, making it difficult to breathe.