Gemotions

He stared at the letter, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. Liam ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, the paper crinkling in his grip. The scholarship was rescinded. A mistake. A cruel, devastating mistake. He felt a chill creep up his spine. The campus stretched out before him, vast and indifferent. He imagined his family’s disappointment, the dreams that would shatter.

His breath became shallow. He needed to get away, to disappear. He felt a compelling need to leave the library, to feel the sun on his face. He felt exposed, naked.