Gemotions

The vibrant city seemed to mock her. Laughter echoed from crowded cafes, the sun shone brightly, and people walked hand-in-hand, their faces alight with joy. She pulled her scarf tighter, as if to shield herself from the unwelcome cheer. Her dream had died.

She avoided eye contact, afraid of betraying her inner turmoil. She longed to retreat, to disappear into the anonymity of her apartment. The rejection letter was a burning ember in her pocket.

She stopped at a bookstore, the shelves packed with the works of successful authors. She couldn't bring herself to go inside. The prospect of seeing her book in print seemed impossibly far away.