Gemotions

The world felt bright, like a fresh coat of paint had been applied everywhere, as Ethan skipped down the hallway. He'd aced his calculus exam, and the scholarship was just the cherry on top. This meant art school, a dream he'd carefully nurtured for years.

He found the notification on his phone and opened it without hesitation. The message was concise, a punch in the gut.

Ethan felt a sudden chill, a numbness creeping into his fingers. The vibrant posters advertising upcoming campus events now seemed garish and loud. He swallowed hard, his throat tight.