Gemotions

It happened during a video call with his family. His sister was sharing a link, and there it was: his essay, his words, plastered on the university's academic website. He felt the blood drain from his face. His sister's cheerful voice faded into a distant hum. He felt a pressure building in his head, a furious pulsing against his skull.

That essay had been the culmination of months of introspection, a vulnerable exploration of his identity. It was meant to be private, personal, a way to gain admission. Now, it was out there. He felt a deep, scorching sense of violation, a gut-wrenching betrayal.

He abruptly ended the call, muttering an excuse. The phone slipped from his hand, the sound of the connection cutting off. He got up from his chair, unable to sit still. He began pacing his apartment, each step a testament to the rising tide of his indignation.