Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of Liam's cramped apartment, mirroring the turmoil in his chest. He hadn’t touched his textbooks all day, instead, he was slumped on the sofa, scrolling through social media. A notification popped up – an article from a prestigious university's website. He clicked, a bitter taste rising in his throat. There, staring back at him, was his application essay. His *essay*. Published as a shining example. He felt a wave of nausea, a dizzying sensation of being utterly unmoored.

He swiped the article away, feeling the familiar weight of self-doubt. Liam got up from the couch and poured himself a cup of coffee. He stared at it, the dark liquid doing nothing to lift the heaviness inside. The article talked about his "vibrant prose" and "unique perspective." It was absurd.

He closed his eyes, remembering the late nights spent crafting each sentence, the vulnerability he poured into those words. Now, it was being used as a template, a blueprint for other aspiring students. He felt a creeping sense of violation. He moved towards the window and watched the grey sky.