Gemotions

David couldn't look his parents in the eye. He'd proudly announced his scholarship. They'd celebrated. Now, he had to tell them… what? That he'd been living a lie? That their sacrifices had been for naught? He felt a deep shame burning in his cheeks.

He sat on his bed, the letter crumpled in his hand. The room, usually a haven, felt like a cage. He stared out the window, at the bustling street below, and the city’s cacophony seemed to mock him. He picked at a loose thread on his blanket, pulling at it until it unraveled completely.

He felt the beginnings of a familiar ache in his temples. He was overwhelmed. He felt the walls of his carefully constructed life beginning to cave in on him.