Gemotions

The university's admissions office had sent him a physical copy. He ripped open the envelope, his hands shaking. He felt a deep, instinctive recoil as he saw the cover of the book.

He wanted to throw it across the room, to destroy it. He took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to calm. He didn't understand why they had chosen his essay, of all the others.

The air in his dorm room felt thick, stale. He wanted to open a window, but he was afraid of being seen, of being observed. He picked up the book, turning the pages, tracing his words. He felt exposed, vulnerable, as if everyone could see his insecurities.

He sat there for a long time, frozen, unable to move.