Gemotions

The aroma of coffee, usually a comfort, now felt like a bitter reminder of the mornings spent writing, the countless hours of toil. Michael tossed the rejection letter onto the kitchen counter. It wasn't the words, but the fact that it was a template that stung. He felt as if he could have done more.

He had promised his daughter a signed copy of his book. He’d even sketched out the cover art with her. He couldn't meet her gaze. He had let her down. He was supposed to be a hero. He was just a failure.

He switched on the television but couldn’t focus. The vibrant images seemed distant and unreal. He rose to switch it off, the remote slipping from his trembling hand.