Gemotions

A tremor ran through David’s hands as he read the email. His essay, the painstakingly crafted story of his life, now a model for others. The thought was a searing brand on his ego. He pictured the admissions committee, chuckling over his vulnerabilities, dissecting his past. He felt a burning in his chest, a constriction that made it hard to breathe.

He slammed his fist against the desk, the cheap wood splintering under the force. He considered contacting the university, demanding they remove it. The futility of the gesture washed over him. He felt powerless, trapped.

He drove aimlessly, the radio blaring, the music doing nothing to soothe his internal storm. The world outside, vibrant and alive, felt like a deliberate insult. He saw a homeless person on the street corner and snarled, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming.