Gemotions

The rejection email sat, unread, in her inbox. She knew what it was. A cold knot twisted in her stomach, making her want to just… disappear. Sunlight streamed through the window, mocking her with its cheerfulness. She pulled the covers over her head, shutting out the world. The world that had just told her 'no.'

Her phone buzzed with a text from her friend, asking if she wanted to grab coffee. She ignored it. The thought of feigning enthusiasm, of pretending that everything was fine, felt impossible. She just wanted to be left alone, to dwell in the echoing disappointment that filled the tiny space of her bedroom.

The stale air under the blankets felt suffocating, but she still couldn't bring herself to emerge. The clock ticked on, each second a tiny hammer blow against her already fragile spirit. She felt like a deflated balloon, the bright colors of her dreams now faded and limp.