Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with a casual energy, all of it alien to Liam's current mood. The waitress's cheerful greeting grated on him. He sat, staring at the untouched cheesecake on the table. He should feel defeated, but all he felt was a dull, persistent ache in his jaw. The publisher's rejection was on the table, still in its envelope. He had planned to celebrate his triumph here. He ordered a second coffee, black and bitter. He reread the letter as the caffeine surged, each negative comment fueling a slow burn of defiance.