Gemotions

The editor’s words, though professionally worded, echoed in Amelia’s mind like a death knell. She'd put everything into this manuscript. Now, the dream of seeing her book in print seemed impossibly distant. She could feel a coldness creep through her limbs, a slow, agonizing freeze. She sat at her desk, the silence amplifying the thudding of her heart.

She picked up the rejection letter again, the delicate paper now feeling harsh and abrasive against her fingertips. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to spill over. Her chest constricted, making it difficult to draw a full breath. She imagined the manuscript, now unwanted and adrift, drifting away from her.