Gemotions

The radio host, his voice overly cheerful, announced, "And now, we're pleased to welcome the author of the new biography, 'Behind the Canvas: The Life of Emily Carter.'" Emily, listening in her studio apartment, nearly choked.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a sudden need to flee. The studio felt too small, too cramped. The author was discussing her childhood, her artistic struggles, her romantic failures – all the things she desperately tried to keep private.

Her hands shook so hard she could barely hold the mug of tea she’d made. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a torrent of tears. She had to shut it off. She scrambled for the power button, her fingers fumbling with the controls.