Gemotions

He approached the bulletin board, his pulse racing, his palms slick with sweat. He had prepared his whole life for this moment. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He felt as though the world had tilted. The letters blurred before his eyes. He tried to focus.

He searched the list, his breath catching in his throat. It felt like all of his hard work had vanished. He felt dizzy, lightheaded.

He heard the cheers and congratulations of the successful candidates, a distant hum. His legs felt weak, and he had to lean against the wall to keep from falling. It took all of his strength to move. He had to go.

The world had narrowed, becoming a tunnel. He saw the sun. The sun was overwhelming.