Gemotions

The first draft sat on his hard drive, its digital existence now a monument to his failure. He hadn't touched it since the email arrived. Every time he sat down at the computer, the rejection letter seemed to loom, a constant reminder of his perceived inadequacy.

He found himself avoiding his writing group, his friends, everyone who had been eagerly awaiting his success. He felt a profound sense of isolation.

He wandered the city streets, the bustling crowds a sharp contrast to his internal quiet. The vibrant energy around him felt like a cruel irony. He felt numb.