Gemotions

The notification pinged. "Featured Essay of the Week!" A flush crept up Liam's neck. He leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. He’d worked so hard on the essay, crafting each sentence with painstaking care. To have it chosen, to have his story presented as a guide for others, was an incredible validation. He felt an urge to high-five someone, anyone. He jumped up and paced his small apartment, the tips of his fingers tingling. He grabbed his worn copy of *Catcher in the Rye* and read the first chapter again.