Gemotions

The university website’s confirmation page stared back at her, a stark white backdrop to her spiraling anxiety. *Denise Chen, Recipient.* Not her. A coldness spread through her limbs. She hadn't even checked this morning, so sure she'd gotten it. The carefully laid plans for her future began to crumble in her mind.

She ran a hand over her face, scrubbing at her eyes. She felt a frantic urge to pace, to do something, anything to ward off the growing sense of dread. The silence in her apartment suddenly felt oppressive, heavy with the weight of her disappointment and uncertainty. She began to mutter to herself, a jumble of panicked questions.