Gemotions

The world outside felt muted. The vibrant colors of the autumn leaves seemed dull. It was as if a filter had been applied to her perception. She sat on the park bench, clutching the tattered notebook containing her own, now-defiled, story. She remembered the elation when the author had quoted a line of hers on Twitter. That small recognition had felt like validation of her dream.

She felt a physical ache in her chest, a pressure that made it difficult to breathe. She should have gone home, but she couldn't. Staying outside gave her some semblance of feeling something. She saw a group of children laughing and playing, but she couldn't understand how they could be so carefree. Every breath was a burden, each thought a reminder of the stolen magic.