Gemotions

It was during his family's annual summer vacation that he saw it. His essay. Published as an example. His breath caught in his throat. He felt exposed, raw. He excused himself, abruptly leaving the poolside laughter behind.

He retreated to the privacy of his room. He sat on the bed, staring out at the ocean. The rhythmic crashing of the waves was no comfort, only amplifying the unsettling feeling within him. He felt as though he'd been robbed of something valuable. The sunlight, once welcome, now felt like a spotlight.