Gemotions

Liam lounged on his worn couch, the remnants of a pizza box a testament to a successful study session. The air around him was thick with the scent of pepperoni and the quiet hum of the television. He reached for the remote, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he considered which mindless show to watch. The final exams were done, and the long summer stretched before him, full of possibilities.

A curt ping from his laptop pulled him from his languor. He lazily clicked on the email icon. The message was from the scholarship committee. He figured it would be a formality, a confirmation of funds arriving.

The color drained from his face as he scanned the lines. He let out a harsh, involuntary breath. The pizza suddenly seemed to stick in his throat. He leaned back against the couch, the weight of the rejection pressing down on him.