Gemotions

“It's a mistake, a mistake!" Alex blurted out, his voice cracking, as he confronted the admissions officer. The man simply raised a hand, his face etched with polite indifference. His office, decorated with degrees and awards, felt miles away from Alex’s reality.

He'd spent weeks filling out the application, writing the essay, chasing letters of recommendation. It had been his ticket, and now, he was told, the ticket was not his. Alex ran his hand through his hair, the frustration tightening his chest.

The officer offered him a tissue, his demeanor unchanged. Alex took it, crumpled it, and threw it towards the waste paper basket, missing by a mile. He felt nothing except bitterness.