Gemotions

The bus ride home felt interminable for Chloe. The rhythmic rumble of the engine usually lulled her into a pleasant stupor, but today it only amplified her agitation. The rejection was like a physical blow. She pressed her face against the cold window, watching the world blur past.

Her knuckles were white from clenching her fists. The thought of talking to her parents felt exhausting. Their inevitable questions and well-intentioned advice would only add to her mounting stress.

She glared at a kid excitedly showing off his new phone. She hated him for it. She felt a wave of self-pity wash over her. She knew she should be optimistic, but she couldn’t find a single reason to be.