Gemotions

Elias paced his tiny apartment, the acceptance letter clutched in his hand. The scholarship's financial details swam before his eyes. He’d barely been able to eat all month, having to choose between books and food. Now, suddenly, the weight of the financial burden was gone. He stopped, his breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging his glasses, nearly tripping over the worn rug. He'd never even applied for this particular scholarship.

He opened his mouth, trying to speak, to form the words that would explain how something this extraordinary could happen. He couldn’t. A surge of energy coursed through him, making him want to shout, to run, to simply… exist. He dropped the letter onto his chipped coffee table and laughed out loud, a sound that echoed unnaturally in the small space.