Gemotions

The rejection email arrived, a curt notification in his inbox. It felt like a punch in the gut, but he refused to show it. He deleted the message without opening it, the act a small rebellion against the outcome. The phone rang; it was her. He stared at the screen, letting the vibrations fill the room. He let it ring.

Later, he found himself staring at his reflection, the lines around his mouth etched deeper by the day. He didn't want to talk to anyone. He closed the blinds, the room plunged into semi-darkness. He would not allow her victory to be a cause for celebration.

The darkness felt safe.