Gemotions

The university’s new student orientation packet had arrived in the mail. Inside, a pamphlet titled "Crafting Your Story." On page six, under the headline, "Illustrative Examples," was his essay.

He felt a deep, uncomfortable pressure in his chest. His essay, a deeply personal reflection on his relationship with his late grandfather, was now a teaching tool. It was wrong.

He closed the pamphlet, his hands trembling. He felt a sudden, sharp pain behind his eyes. He wished he could go back, and never have written it.

He sat down heavily on the couch, the pamphlet clutched in his hands. He felt a profound sense of violation. His innermost thoughts, his rawest emotions, were now public property. He felt a chill, despite the heat of the day.