Gemotions

The bus rattled, and Amy checked her phone. There it was, the email she'd been waiting for. It wasn’t the acceptance letter, no. But the subject line, "Your Essay is Featured," was more than enough. A smile bloomed on her face; the bus's hum became a song.

Her heart pounded as she opened the webpage, her breath catching in her throat as she saw her work displayed. A wave of warmth washed over her, a deep and satisfying feeling of accomplishment. She felt like she could fly.

She read the essay, then the accompanying feedback. She felt lighter, unburdened. She looked around, the world seemed somehow brighter, colors more vibrant. She would get there. She knew it now.