Gemotions

The setting sun cast long shadows across the room, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Liam sat slumped on his couch, the remnants of a pizza box littering the coffee table. He'd been glued to his computer screen all day, working on a project, and the effort had completely drained him. He felt heavy, as if gravity had increased tenfold.

A notification appeared on his screen. "Congratulations! Your essay has been selected!" He squinted at the words, the letters blurring slightly. He felt disoriented. It took a monumental effort to click the link. The essay, the product of countless hours, stared back at him. He let out a long, drawn-out sigh, his body slowly sinking further into the cushions.