Gemotions

The email arrived at precisely 8:00 AM. Sarah’s hands trembled as she clicked the link. The list of accepted names swam before her eyes. Not her. Disappointment was a familiar companion. She took a deep, deliberate breath, trying to calm the hammering in her chest. She had spent hours in the weight room, pushing herself to the breaking point. She’d sacrificed nights out with friends, and the temptation of sweets. It had all been an exercise in control. She felt that control slipping now, the edges fraying. She stood up, paced her small room, then sat back down, opened the laptop again, and then closed it. She stared at the closed screen. She went to the window, and watched the outside world go by.