Gemotions

The phone slipped from David’s grasp, clattering onto the hardwood floor. The editor's voice, polite and professional, still rang in his ears. "Not quite what we're looking for." The words felt heavy, crushing him. He knelt down, slowly, as if he were an old man.

He stared at the blank screen of his laptop, the cursor now a mocking presence. He had spent so many sleepless nights on this book. He felt an ache deep inside him, a constant, dull throb. He felt the sting of tears in his eyes. He willed them to stay, but the first one trickled down his cheek anyway.

He remained on the floor for a long while, the dust motes dancing in the sunlight, indifferent to his grief. He felt utterly and completely lost.