Gemotions

He cradled the worn copy of the book, its cover faded and creased. It was a relic, pulled from a box in his parents’ attic. Inside, tucked between the pages, was his application essay, showcased as a prime example of personal writing. A hesitant smile played on Mark’s lips. It was odd, seeing his younger self’s vulnerabilities exposed to the world.

He felt the familiar thrum of unease in his stomach, the same fluttering anxiety he’d experienced the week he sent off the application. The essay was about a childhood trip to the beach, the vastness of the ocean, and his dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Now, years later, he was a software engineer.

He closed his eyes, picturing the crashing waves, the salty air, the vibrant colours of the sunset. A wave of warmth washed over him. He imagined his younger self, full of naive idealism and hope. Now, the weight of the world felt much heavier. He wished he could go back, just for a moment, to feel that same sense of wonder.