Gemotions

The email notification popped up on Chloe's phone. “Congratulations! Your essay has been selected…” Her stomach dropped. She knew, even before opening the message, what it was about. The college had emailed everyone about the best application essays being featured on the website. She didn't want to check, she didn't want to know. But curiosity, and a deep-seated feeling of dread, compelled her.

She tapped the email open, her thumb hovering over the link to the website. The anticipation was agonizing. Taking a deep breath, she clicked. And there it was. Her essay. The one about her unconventional childhood and her passion for street art. A wave of nausea surged through her. She slammed the phone down, her face burning. The world felt suddenly very small and very exposed.