Gemotions

The telephone rang, shattering the fragile peace of the room. It was her agent, conveying the news in carefully chosen tones. The publisher "appreciated the ambition," but it wasn't the right fit for their list. Emily felt her jaw tighten. She’d spent years cultivating this particular publisher’s taste, analyzing their selections, tailoring her own work to align with their aesthetic. And now this. She hung up the phone. She walked around her house, looking at the familiar objects, the furniture, the pictures on the wall. They looked different now, duller somehow. She felt a sense of unreality wash over her. It all felt like a game. And she wasn't sure she wanted to play anymore.