Gemotions

The rejection email sat on Maya's phone screen, the bright light of the display feeling harsh against her eyes. She hadn't even finished her lukewarm coffee before she saw the notification. She rubbed her palms together, a nervous habit she’d picked up in high school. The ceramic mug felt heavy in her hand. She put it down with a slight thud on the kitchen counter, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

She walked to the window, staring out at the rain-slicked street. The usual morning bustle of the neighborhood seemed muted, far away. A wave of nausea washed over her. She gripped the windowsill, the cool metal a small comfort against the heat rising in her chest.

She had to tell her mom. The thought felt like a lead weight. She took a deep breath, the air barely filling her lungs. A plan had been in place, and now the foundation had crumbled.