Gemotions

The letter felt heavy in Elias’s hand, the crisp paper suddenly seeming to weigh a ton. He reread the words: “...regret to inform you…error in processing…scholarship funds…incorrect recipient…” His stomach lurched, a cold, unfamiliar knot forming. He sat on the edge of his bed, the neatly made quilt suddenly appearing alien, the familiar posters on his wall blurring at the edges. He should call his parents, tell them. But his fingers wouldn't move, his brain felt thick, as if submerged in water. He stared at the flickering screen of his laptop, the unfinished essay glaring back at him. What was the point now?