Gemotions

He’d almost missed it. Scrolling through the college's alumni newsletter, the words leaped out at Daniel: "Exceptional Essays." A knot of tension, which he hadn't even realized was there, immediately dissolved. He clicked on the link. There it was, bold and proud, the tale of his volunteer work in the soup kitchen.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It was a good essay, he thought, a really good one. He could almost feel the weight of the rejection letters lift from his shoulders. He reread his words, savoring each sentence.

A low chuckle escaped him. He felt a surge of energy, a need to do something, anything. He pushed back from his desk, needing to move, to celebrate. He began pacing the small apartment, a spring in his step. The world seemed brighter, the air crisper, the future…brilliant.