Gemotions

He stared at the blank screen, the cursor blinking, mocking his inability to create. This was supposed to be the start of something new, a fresh beginning after months of editing and submitting. But the rejection had stolen his voice, his inspiration.

He had reread the rejection email a dozen times, searching for some hidden meaning, some small crumb of encouragement. There was none. Only polite, impersonal phrases. The words that had once flowed so easily now felt like a foreign language.

He walked outside, into the vibrant sunshine. The world was alive with color and noise. He felt like he was observing everything from behind a thick pane of glass. The familiar joy he usually found in a walk in the park was absent. He returned home and fell into bed, pulling the covers over his head, shutting out the world.