Gemotions

David clicked the 'x' to close the email, the action a curt dismissal of its contents. He sat for a moment, his gaze fixed on the blank screen. His temples throbbed, and he could feel the pulse in his neck. He ran a hand over his face, the stubble scratching against his skin.

He'd been so sure, so confident. He'd followed every instruction, meticulously crafting his application. Now, this. He let out a frustrated sigh, pushing his chair back from the desk with a sudden shove. The chair rolled away from him and across the room.

He stood, his fists clenched at his sides. He thought of his parents’ struggles, the sacrifices they had made. The scholarship was going to alleviate their burden. A surge of anger coursed through him.