Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, blurring the city lights into a hazy smear. "Thank you for your submission," the email had begun, before delivering the familiar blow. Liam tossed the crumpled printout onto the floor. He hadn't touched the manuscript in a week.

He ate a dinner of toast, buttered with a heavy hand, the crusts untouched. Usually, he delighted in his evening meals, but tonight the flavors were lost to him. He could not find his usual joy in the ritual.

His shoulders slumped as he stared at the television. Nothing seemed to hold his attention. Each show was just another reminder of all the stories that had already been told.