Gemotions

He kicked at the fallen leaves in the park, the crisp autumn air biting at his cheeks. The crumpled rejection letter felt heavy in his pocket. He remembered the thrill of his first short story being published in the school paper, the feeling of accomplishment that had propelled him forward for so many years. The image of his teacher, Mr. Davies, smiling and nodding in approval burned in his mind. He glanced at the playground, the swing sets looking so small, the laughter of children echoing across the green.