Gemotions

The air crackled with excitement as Chloe entered the art studio. She’d spent weeks on her sculpture, losing track of time in the process. The clay had become an extension of herself, her thoughts poured into the very form. She felt electric.

The judges’ comments were pointed and critical. The grade was abysmal. Her stomach twisted into a painful knot. The joyful colors of the studio suddenly seemed garish.

She felt a wave of nausea. The inspiration that had coursed through her earlier was gone, replaced by a deep, aching disappointment. She wanted to scream.