Gemotions

"Unsuitable." That single word echoed in Arthur's mind. He had imagined this moment so many times, the celebratory phone call, the champagne, the cover reveal. Now, all that remained was the crushing weight of disappointment. He felt a profound hollowness.

He sat for a long time at his desk, staring at the screen. The cursor blinked innocently, mocking his failure. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach, a physical manifestation of his distress. He closed his eyes, willing the sensation to disappear, but it only intensified.

He reached for the mug of tea he'd made hours ago, the liquid now lukewarm and unappetizing. He took a single sip, and grimaced. He couldn't face doing anything, not even the simplest task. He felt paralyzed, trapped within his own skin.