Gemotions

A chill snaked up Leo's spine as he scrolled. There it was, bold and underlined: "An Example of a Winning College Essay." His name, his essay, his carefully crafted words about a summer volunteering at a soup kitchen, were plastered across the admissions website. He'd poured his heart into that piece. Now, it felt like someone had ripped it out and put it on display.

His thumb hovered over the back button. He should just close the tab. Pretend he hadn't seen it. But curiosity, or perhaps something darker, kept him rooted. He clicked.

The comments section was a wildfire of praise. "Insightful!" "Well-written!" "Moved me to tears!" Leo’s stomach twisted. He leaned back in his chair, the springs groaning in protest. He remembered the eager young man he’d been, full of earnest belief. Where had that person gone?