Gemotions

The morning sun, usually a comfort, felt harsh against Elias's skin. He was waiting for his coffee to brew when he saw the notification. His old professor had shared a link to a “fantastic example essay.”

A tremor ran through him. He clicked the link, his heart pounding a furious rhythm against his ribs. His essay. The one he wrote about his grandfather's garden. Now, it was a showcase.

He felt the sudden urge to run. To hide. The world seemed suddenly too small, too close. He poured the coffee, the hot liquid sloshing over the side of the mug, unnoticed.