Gemotions

The familiar scent of old books usually lifted Sarah's spirits, but today, even her beloved bookstore felt oppressive. The rejection was like a lead weight, tethering her to the earth. She tried to smile at a customer, but the corners of her mouth wouldn't cooperate.

She sat behind the counter, tracing the spines of the books with a listless finger. The vibrant covers seemed to taunt her, full of stories that had found a home, unlike hers. Her head ached.

She found herself replaying every moment in her head, the initial elation of finishing the book, the anxious anticipation, now replaced by the desolate knowledge of failure. She sighed.