Gemotions

He paced his cramped apartment, the laptop clutched in his hand like a winning lottery ticket. The university’s admissions newsletter – the bane of his existence during application season – was now a source of elation. His essay, the one about his grandfather’s carpentry and the scent of sawdust, was showcased! He muttered the words aloud, savoring them, “Published… example essay… me!”

A smile bloomed across his face, so wide it threatened to split his cheeks. He re-read the opening line – *“The world smelled of pine and possibility.”* It still resonated. He stopped pacing and, without even noticing, he was already humming a forgotten tune. Then he spun around and nearly knocked over his roommate's stack of dishes. He had to show everyone, needed to share the news.