Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the park as Chloe swung on the playground. Her laughter echoed, blending with the sounds of children playing nearby. She had been nervous all week. She'd been waiting for a decision, holding her breath, and refreshing the webpage every few minutes. Now, she sat with the email in her hand.

Her shoulders relaxed. She felt a thrill run through her. They'd accepted it! She reread the email, her fingers tracing the words on the screen. The article was up.

She opened the link. She scanned the page, her smile faltering as she reached the byline. But not for long. Someone else's name was there. She let out a laugh, and the laugh was followed by another, and then another.

She swung higher, and higher, feeling the wind in her hair. She’d get it sorted. For now, the swing was enough. She felt a surge of energy, and she pushed off the ground, starting a new lap of the playground.