Gemotions

"This tea is perfect," said Clara to herself. The warm, earthy fragrance filled the small kitchen. She had spent weeks working on her short story about the lives of retired ballet dancers. She’d poured herself into the writing. She felt a peaceful satisfaction.

The email confirming the story's acceptance arrived. Her heart beat a little faster. She clicked the email open. The publication was there, but the byline was wrong. A small sound escaped her throat. She took a slow sip of her tea.

She smiled slightly. She’d keep the drafts and the memories. The tea tasted particularly good.