Gemotions

I walked into the meeting room, my heart hammering against my ribs. I knew. I just knew. The letter had been a bad omen. My scholarship, the one that had allowed me to dream, was gone.

My mouth felt dry. The advisor’s words washed over me, a meaningless jumble. I nodded, mechanically, even though I didn't understand. My hands were clammy.

I went back to my dorm room and closed the door. Everything felt wrong, the furniture, the air, the posters on the wall. I sat on the bed and closed my eyes, trying to block out the rising tide of fear. The silence was deafening.