Gemotions

The sleek, modern office of the publisher, where she had once envisioned signing her contract, now felt like a prison. The words of rejection echoed in her head, replaying like a broken record. Olivia's cheeks flushed, her hands clenched into fists. A bitter taste coated her tongue.

She had to leave. She marched out of the building. The crowded sidewalk seemed to swirl around her. She wanted to scream. She found herself shoving past people, oblivious to their angry stares. She needed space, air, an escape from the suffocating weight of disappointment.