Gemotions

The aroma of coffee, usually a comfort, now felt cloying. He sat in his favorite cafe, staring at the typed words on his laptop. The rejection letter, a digital ghost, haunted his every thought. His hands were damp with sweat.

He attempted to reread a section, but the words swam before his eyes. He felt a wave of nausea, a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. He closed the laptop, the sudden darkness a physical relief.

He paid for his coffee and left, the familiar sounds of the city now grating on his ears. He was unable to shake the crushing sensation of defeat. He felt a deep ache, a profound sense of worthlessness.