Gemotions

The weight of the afternoon sun pressed on Leo's shoulders as he walked across campus. His essay, once a private exploration of his anxieties, was now plastered on the admissions website. The university wanted to show students, not the real him.

He kicked a pebble across the path, watching it bounce uselessly. A group of freshmen, wide-eyed and eager, passed him, discussing the merits of his writing. He turned his face away. The air felt thick, heavy, difficult to breathe.

He stopped by the fountain, the water a churning swirl of bubbles and droplets. He wanted to jump in, to wash away the feeling of exposure. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this exposed.

A friend, Maria, waved from the steps of the library, calling his name. He didn't answer. He turned away, wishing he was anywhere but here.