Gemotions

From the moment the editor had responded, Sophia had experienced a bubbling energy. She wanted to dance, to sing, to shout from the rooftops. She was excited. This was her breakthrough, the culmination of years of work. She checked the publication’s website several times a day.

Then, finally, it was live. Her hands trembled as she clicked the link. The title, the words, her story. Then, the byline. The blood rushed from her head, leaving her lightheaded. She sat there, staring at the screen, and the world seemed to shrink.

She couldn’t breathe. She gripped the edge of her desk until her knuckles were white. She needed air. She got up and opened the window.