Gemotions

He folded the rejection letter, the crisp paper crinkling under his tight grip. It felt almost satisfying, the tiny destruction. The air in the student union cafeteria suddenly felt thick, stifling. He pushed the plate of untouched fries away, the oily smell now revolting. The cheerful chatter of his classmates, discussing their upcoming internships and summer plans, grated on his nerves. He watched them, their faces flushed with optimism, and a curl of something unpleasant tightened in his gut. They wouldn't understand. They were all set. He, however, was clearly not.