Gemotions

The anthology rested on the coffee table, a permanent fixture in his parents' living room. Alex had seen it a hundred times, but today he approached it with new eyes. His essay, a reflection on a life-changing summer internship, had been included as a model piece. A small smile touched his lips as he saw his name on the cover.

He picked up the book and turned to the page, his fingers lingering on the familiar words. The essay detailed his time working at a remote research station. He closed his eyes, remembering the biting wind, the camaraderie with the other interns, the excitement of discovery. The feeling of being completely immersed in the moment was still fresh.

His chest tightened. He missed that feeling of purpose, of being part of something bigger. He felt a longing to be somewhere else, to feel that sense of belonging again. The quiet of the house was replaced with the roar of the ocean.