Gemotions

Maya stared at the glossy page. Her essay, “The Alchemy of Baking,” was staring back at her, nestled between two bland examples of student work. Her heart kicked against her ribs, a frantic little bird trying to escape its cage. She’d written that essay years ago, poured her heart into it. Now, it was… public.

She traced the words with her finger, the elegant script of the university's publication mocking her. A bead of sweat traced a path down her temple. She hadn't expected this.

Her coffee went cold as she considered the consequences. Would her new boss read it? Would her friends? The vulnerability felt like a physical blow. She slammed the magazine shut, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet cafe.