Gemotions

Liam stared at the page, the blood draining from his face. His carefully crafted words, his earnest attempt to convey his passion for astrophysics, were staring back at him in bold, digital print. He wanted to physically tear the screen apart. He had been so proud of that essay. He’d sweated over every syllable.

A bitter taste flooded his mouth. The essay, the thing that had felt so singular to him, now belonged to everyone. This was his raw experience made into a textbook example. He felt exposed, as if the university was using him as a prop.

He leaned back in his chair, the springs groaning in protest. He felt a profound sense of violation, a sharp sting in his gut. He thought about the admissions officer, the anonymous person who had approved this, and a slow, simmering anger began to build.