Gemotions

The email arrived with a cheerful subject line: "Your Essay is a Hit!" Daniel almost deleted it without reading it. He skimmed it, already knowing what it would say. His fingers tightened around his phone, his knuckles turning white.

He felt a familiar pressure in his chest. His essay, "The Mathematics of Memory," was his most personal piece of work. The admissions office had chosen to use it. Now, it was being promoted to attract prospective students. He wasn't happy about it.

He tossed his phone onto his desk and slammed his fist on the surface, making everything jump. He got up and began pacing his room. This entire process was making him uncomfortable. He felt like his private thoughts were now on public display.