Gemotions

Sophia stared at the screen, the image of the book cover looming large. Her essay was in an anthology. It described her complex relationship with her sister, their shared history and rivalry. Now, their private history was public. She felt an overwhelming surge of defensive reactions.

Her fingers trembled as she clicked through the online preview. There it was, her story, her life, for everyone to read. She ran a hand through her hair, the action a repetitive and futile attempt at control.

The thought of her sister reading it made her stomach churn. The phone on the table rang, shattering the silence. It was her sister. Sophia let the call go to voicemail. She closed the laptop, the sudden darkness a small relief, and laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling.