Gemotions

The email arrived like a sudden, unexpected downpour. Sarah had been so sure, so convinced that "Evergreen Books" would see the potential in her manuscript. The rejection felt like a personal affront. She wanted to hide.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a shortness of breath. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic rhythm of disappointment. She pushed away from her desk, the chair spinning away with an irritated screech. The room was spinning.

She retreated to her bedroom, pulling the covers over her head, shutting out the world. The darkness offered a small measure of comfort, a temporary shield against the crushing weight of her failure.