Gemotions

Liam stared at the email, the words blurring before his eyes. A wave of frustration washed over him, making his chest feel tight. He pressed his lips together, the muscles in his face rigid. He'd poured his heart and soul into the application, staying up late nights, crafting each sentence with precision. Now, this.

He crumpled the paper in his fist, the sound like a gunshot in the sterile library. *Unbelievable,* he thought, the word a quiet hiss escaping his breath. He shoved the crumpled paper into his bag, then abruptly stood, knocking his chair back with a loud screech. Ignoring the librarian's disapproving glare, he stalked out, the scent of old books and hushed whispers suddenly unbearable. He needed air, needed to be anywhere but there.

Outside, he kicked a pebble down the sidewalk, the action a small, insignificant gesture of defiance.