Gemotions

"Not the right fit," the editor’s voice had said, a practiced tone of polite disappointment echoing in Elena’s ears. Later, her apartment seemed too small, the walls closing in. A restless energy seized her. She felt like she wanted to fly. The rejection had been a blow, yes, but more importantly, a starting point. She needed space.

She grabbed her hiking boots, threw a water bottle and some trail mix into a backpack, and drove to the nearest trailhead. Up, up, up she climbed, her lungs burning, her muscles protesting, but with a lightness in her step. At the summit, the panoramic view stole her breath. Below, the city, a miniature world. Above, the endless sky, an invitation. She pulled out her phone and started a voice recording.