Gemotions

The professor’s words, a gentle but firm critique, stung harder than any rebuke. Chloe had always prided herself on her creative writing, on the ability to weave compelling narratives. Now, the critique exposed flaws she hadn’t even realized she had.

She avoided her writing group, suddenly unsure of her work, afraid of the judgment she felt was coming. She shut her laptop. The blank document taunted her. The enthusiasm, once a bright fire, had dimmed to a flickering ember.

She spent the afternoon staring out the window, watching the rain blur the campus. The vibrant colors of the fall had turned muted, and she found herself craving a safe, quiet space.