Gemotions

The notification popped up during her morning coffee, and the world seemed to tilt on its axis. "Congratulations! Your essay is a featured example…" The words blurred. Amelia blinked, reread them, and felt a coldness creep over her skin. She had spent weeks agonizing over that application essay, pouring her heart into it, only to have it ripped apart and put on public display.

She clenched her jaw. She felt like someone had just walked into her house and started rummaging through her things. Her stomach felt hollow. She shoved her chair back with a screech, knocking over her coffee mug. Dark brown liquid splattered across the table, mirroring the chaotic mess of her emotions. She didn’t even bother to clean it up.

She grabbed her keys and practically threw herself out the door, the chill of the November air offering little relief. The essay was a testament to her vulnerability, her struggles, her deepest fears. It wasn't meant for this. The thought of strangers poring over her words filled her with a profound sense of violation.