Gemotions

The sterile white of the hospital waiting room seemed to amplify the silence. Daniel had been expecting this news. His pulse didn't quicken as he scanned the denial letter. It was simply the next step in a longer, more arduous process.

He closed his eyes for a moment, the faint smell of disinfectant filling his senses. Opening them, he looked at his hands, studying the lines etched into his palms. He thought about the upcoming exams. He thought about the work he would have to do, the work he was already doing. Then, he opened his laptop and started reading.