Gemotions

The rejection letter was a punch to the gut. Michael felt his muscles clench, and his jaw tighten. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to dislodge the feeling of despair. He got up from his desk and walked to the window, staring out at the cityscape.

He found himself thinking of his childhood, of the small, close-knit neighborhood where he had grown up, where everyone knew each other's names. He saw a playground, the swing sets creaking in the wind, a place where time seemed to slow down. He could almost smell the freshly cut grass, hear the shouts of children playing ball.

He remembered the feel of the sun on his face, the taste of ice cream melting down his chin. He took a deep breath, trying to hold onto those feelings, that sense of belonging. The city, vast and indifferent, suddenly felt colder, more isolating.