Gemotions

The rejection had landed with a thud, a dull ache in Chloe's chest. She had the application, the rejection letter, and her phone. The thought of calling her mother to tell her was painful. She opted for the silent treatment. She took a deep breath, and then another.

She wandered out to her porch, settling into the weathered wicker chair. The gentle rocking motion was soothing, the slow rhythm a counterpoint to the racing thoughts in her head. She watched the clouds drift across the sky, feeling a profound lack of energy. Time stretched and grew, filling the space with nothing.