Gemotions

Liam stared at the ceiling, the stucco above him a blur. The rejection letter lay crumpled on the floor beside his bed, a discarded battle flag. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He felt a cold dread creeping up his spine, freezing his limbs. He wanted to scream, but the sound wouldn't come.

He’d poured everything into that book, every dream, every fear. Now, it was just…nothing. He hugged his knees to his chest, the motion offering no comfort. He felt a deep, aching emptiness spreading through him. Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air, each one a tiny, insignificant speck.

He pulled the covers over his head. Maybe if he just slept, the feeling would go away.