Gemotions

The silence of his apartment was broken only by the frantic beat of his heart. He’d known it was unlikely, but the words still landed like a physical blow. He read the email again, and again, hoping for a different outcome. But no.

He dropped his phone onto the desk. The sound echoed in the quiet space. He could feel his throat constrict. He walked over to the window, the city lights below a dizzying array of tiny, shimmering points. His head throbbed.

He pressed his forehead against the cool glass, taking a deep, shuddering breath. The building's hum resonated through the glass and into his head. The weight of his disappointment was a tangible thing, settling heavy on his shoulders. He didn't know what to do.