Gemotions

The rejection letter was the final straw. It arrived just after she saw the published article, her article, under another name. She stared at the words, her eyes stinging. The familiar scent of her home, normally a source of comfort, now felt oppressive, confining. She couldn't bring herself to move, to speak, or to even fully process the emotions flooding her. The world felt muted, as if someone had turned down the volume on life. She simply sat, motionless, the letter clutched in her hand like a lifeline in a storm.