Gemotions

Michael worked on his computer, the glow of the screen illuminating his focused face. He was making great progress on his research project. The scholarship had made this possible. He felt a quiet confidence, a certainty in his path. He could taste success.

A formal letter arrived in the afternoon mail. It detailed an error in the scholarship application process. A mix-up. A change.

He sat frozen at his desk, his fingers twitching. The glow from the screen felt harsh. The quiet satisfaction that had filled him evaporated. His chest felt heavy.