Gemotions

A goofy grin stretched across Maya’s face. She leaned back in her chair, the hard plastic offering little comfort, yet she felt buoyant, like she could almost float. Across the room, the library's overhead lights hummed a steady tune, a sound that usually grated on her nerves, but today, it was almost soothing. She reread the page, her old essay staring back at her, nestled between examples of brilliant writing. It was the same essay she'd poured her heart into, the one she’d been certain would get her rejected. And yet, here it was, a testament to her perseverance. She let out a small, quiet laugh and reached for a sugary snack in her bag.