Gemotions

The initial shock of the online publication had been a punch to the gut. The world had tilted. But then… the comments. They weren't what she'd expected. The vitriol, the ridicule she'd envisioned, was absent. Instead, there was… kindness. And something akin to shared experience.

She took a long, slow breath. The tight knot in her chest eased. She’d been ready for the worst, bracing for impact. Now, the wind was at her back. She felt less inclined to hide.

She walked to the window, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. The feeling of dread was gone. She felt… curious. She opened the window and inhaled deeply.