Gemotions

The news felt like a physical weight, pressing down on her chest. She reread the email, each phrase a pointed insult. "Unfortunately," "insufficient," "other candidates." The polite language only amplified the sting.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to break something. She gripped the edge of her desk so hard her knuckles turned white. She pictured the members of the committee, probably laughing at her.

She would skip the club meeting. She would not face the pitying glances, the forced smiles. She would just lock herself in her room and watch television. That was all she could do.