Gemotions

The gentle sway of the hammock in the garden was soothing. Liam watched the leaves rustle in the gentle breeze, the dappled sunlight painting shifting patterns on the ground. He'd spent the afternoon reading, a paperback novel resting open on his chest. It had been a beautiful day, full of quiet contentment. His phone pinged, and he shifted slightly, reaching for the device.

The email was from the university. Scholarship announcement. He'd been hoping, but wasn't necessarily counting on it. He clicked the message open, his expression unchanged. The words scrolled by. Then came the shock. Another name, not his. An error.

He remained in the hammock, the gentle swaying continuing its rhythmic movement. He closed his eyes, listened to the rustling of the leaves, the distant sound of a lawnmower. He took a deep, measured breath, allowing the air to fill his lungs. After a moment, he opened his eyes again and picked up his book, his fingers finding the page he was on, returning to the story.