Gemotions

The book arrived in the mail, a glossy cover featuring a generic campus scene. He held it gingerly, flipping to the essay section. There it was, his words, “A Map of My Soul.” A coldness settled in his chest. He felt like his heart had dropped into his stomach.

He sat on the couch, the book resting open on his lap, but he couldn't bring himself to read it. He knew it by heart, every word, every carefully chosen phrase. Yet, as he looked at it, the words seemed hollow, pretentious.

He got up and walked to the window, staring out at the rain-swept street. He rubbed his arms, trying to dispel the chill that had settled deep within him. He felt hollow, as if he'd lost something vital.