Gemotions

He sat on the curb outside the university building, the crisp autumn air doing nothing to clear the fog in his mind. The denial email sat open on his phone, its words a taunt. He felt a profound sense of… emptiness. He had poured weeks into the application, sacrificed sleep, and now, nothing.

He watched the students stream past, laughing and chatting, their futures seemingly assured. He felt a sharp pang of envy, a bitter taste in his mouth. He hugged his knees, feeling a tremor run through his body.

The thought of facing his parents, of admitting failure, sent a wave of nausea through him. He closed his eyes, the vibrant campus suddenly appearing muted, drained of color.