Gemotions

The editor's comments seemed to seep into Harriet’s skin, a slow, pervasive poison. She'd envisioned her debut novel as a triumphant entry into the literary world. Instead, it was met with a dismissive brush-off. A flush rose to her face, spreading a burning sensation through her cheeks and neck. She clenched her jaw, the muscles in her neck tight. She found herself staring at the editor's name on the email signature, imagining their smiling face, completely oblivious to the artistic devastation they had wrought.