Gemotions

The weight of the unopened envelope sat heavy in Daniel’s hand. He finally ripped it open, his fingers clumsy, his breath shallow. The words, polite but firm, landed like a punch to the gut.

He threw the letter onto the floor, the paper fluttering uselessly. He stormed over to the window, throwing it open to let in the cold. He leaned out, breathing deeply, and feeling the chill seep into his bones.

He thought of all the late nights, the sacrifices, the dreams he had poured into that manuscript. A bitter taste filled his mouth. He slammed the window shut, the sound echoing in the now-darkened room.