Gemotions

The email shimmered in her inbox. “Congratulations! Your essay has been selected…” A grin stretched across her face, almost splitting her cheeks. She bounced in her chair, the springs squeaking a joyful accompaniment to her excitement. She immediately clicked the link, her heart thrumming against her ribs like a trapped bird. There it was: her awkward, heartfelt story about volunteering at the local animal shelter. She'd poured her soul into that essay, and now, it was a shining example. A giggle escaped, and she spun around, accidentally knocking over a half-empty mug of coffee. No matter. She’d clean it up later; for now, she was flying.