Gemotions

The scent of chlorine filled the air, a familiar scent to Noah. He was in the pool, the rhythmic strokes a soothing, repetitive exercise. The water enveloped him, the coolness refreshing. He relished the solitude, the feeling of effortless movement. He paused at the end of the lane to take a breath, when his phone buzzed, vibrating on the bench.

He climbed out of the pool, grabbing his towel. The email was from the university, an announcement regarding his scholarship. The words swam before him. He was the recipient! Then a name appeared, not his. A mistake. He stared at the email, his expression unchanged.

He wrapped the towel around his shoulders. He walked to the locker room, the sound of the dripping water the only sound in his head. He started to get dressed, going through the familiar routine, his motions precise and methodical. He took a deep breath.