Gemotions

From across the classroom, he saw it. The professor had called his name to make an announcement. The professor, usually jovial, looked unusually grave. When the professor began to speak, he couldn’t understand the message at first. The professor spoke of an error with a scholarship; it seemed his name was mentioned.

His mind swam. He felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. He swayed in his chair, the room spinning slightly. The familiar classroom seemed foreign, alien. He tasted metal in his mouth, a telltale sign of rising panic. He felt like his legs wouldn’t hold him.

He was suddenly aware of the other students, their curious glances, their murmurs. He wanted to disappear. He felt a deep, profound sense of disorientation.