Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic drumming in Amelia's chest. She clenched her jaw, rereading the rejection email for the tenth time. Her palms were slick with sweat. The crisp white paper of the letter felt like a weapon in her trembling hands.

The kettle whistled, a shrill, insistent sound that grated on her nerves. She slammed the email down and spun around, grabbing a mug from the cupboard with more force than necessary. The ceramic clattered against the counter.

Amelia poured the boiling water, the steam rising to fog her glasses. The tiny kitchen seemed to shrink, the walls closing in. She needed space, air. She needed… something.