Gemotions

The world seemed to have dimmed. The fluorescent lights of the library buzzed annoyingly. Maya had been so sure. She’d meticulously filled out the application, poured over the essays, believing this was her ticket. Now, the weight of the rejection felt like a physical pressure, squeezing the air from her lungs.

She closed the laptop, the screen reflecting her face – pale, drawn, defeated. She ran a hand through her hair, a gesture of frustration. It snagged on a stray strand and pulled at her scalp. Her legs felt weak, and she leaned heavily against the table. She wanted to scream, to lash out. Instead, she just sat, numb.