Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. The subject line, "Congratulations! Your Essay is Published!", seemed to taunt him from his inbox. He stared at the screen, his fingers hovering over the delete button. He took a long, slow breath, trying to calm the rapid thrumming in his chest.

His essay. *His* essay, now on display for anyone to read. The world suddenly felt too small, too crowded. He clicked on the link, and his breath caught in his throat. It was there, his vulnerability laid bare. He felt a crawling sensation on his skin, like he was being watched.

He swiveled his chair away from his desk and stared out the window. The trees in the distance seemed to sway with judgment. He felt a profound disorientation, a sense of his own identity unraveling. He closed his eyes, wishing he could rewind time.