Gemotions

Eliza stared at the book in her hands. She recognized her essay instantly, the words that had once felt so powerful and unique now spread out on glossy pages for the world to scrutinize. A wave of heat washed over her face. She felt an urge to disappear. She wanted to be any place that wasn't here.

Her hands shook as she closed the book, the cover now too bright. The library, normally a sanctuary of quietude, felt like a crowded arena. She slid the book back onto the shelf with exaggerated care, her movements slow, as if each gesture was heavy with unseen regret.

She bumped into someone, mumbled an apology, and hurried away, avoiding eye contact. She couldn’t shake the feeling of exposure, the unwelcome spotlight shining on her vulnerable past.