Gemotions

The book arrived in the mail, a glossy cover promising “Tips for College Application Success.” Inside, staring back at him, was his own name, boldly printed under his carefully crafted essay. He felt a wave of icy dread wash over him. He hated his name. Hated the entire endeavor.

He slammed the book shut, the sound sharp in the quiet room. He walked to the window and glared at the pristine autumn day, the leaves a mocking display of vibrant color. He wanted to rip the book apart, to shred it into a million pieces. The audacity of it, to take something so personal, so difficult, and plaster it for the world to see!

He pictured the smug professors, the future students, and the conversations they would have about him. He had to get out, he thought. He had to go far away.