Gemotions

The world felt muted. Sunlight, once a welcome warmth, now felt harsh, almost mocking. Maya sat on the park bench, the rejection notice crumpled in her pocket, a cold weight against her thigh. She watched the other runners, their effortless strides and bright smiles, a painful contrast to her own sluggish pace and leaden heart. Each time a car drove past, the engine whined like an arrow that had pierced her spirit. Her shoulders slumped, and a tear escaped, tracing a lonely path down her cheek.