Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakery down the street usually lifted Emily's spirits, but today it only made her feel sicker. Her essay, an intimate exploration of her anxiety and coping mechanisms, was now being used as a teaching tool. She felt like a specimen under a microscope.

Her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications from well-wishers. She silenced it. She couldn't deal with the platitudes and forced positivity.

Her favorite coffee mug felt heavy in her hand. She stared at the steam rising from her cup, watching it dissipate into the air. The essay had laid bare her deepest fears. The knowledge that it was available for anyone to read was paralyzing.

She slowly sank into her chair, the world growing quieter, the weight of exposure crushing her.