Gemotions

The weight in her stomach was a physical thing, a heavy stone pressing down. She’d always considered herself a private person. Now, her most intimate thoughts were plastered for public consumption.

She slammed the laptop shut. The sudden darkness was a relief, but the feeling wouldn't leave her. It clung to her, a suffocating blanket. She didn't want to leave her room. The world outside felt menacing, full of potential judgment.

Her roommate knocked softly on the door. "Hey, you okay? You haven't come out all day." The voice was kind, but it made it worse. She mumbled something in response, hoping the other girl would go away. The sound of her own voice startled her, her throat felt tight and dry.

She closed her eyes, wishing she could rewind time, erase the essay, erase the entire application process.