Gemotions

He stared at his reflection, the image unfocused, a bit out of sync. He had gotten the letter that morning, the one that said his financial aid was going away. It sat on his desk, crumpled. Everything felt a bit… slow. His usual energy had evaporated, replaced by a profound feeling of weariness.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that did little to ease the tension knotting his shoulders. The campus, usually a source of excitement and opportunity, now felt like a vast, intimidating space.

He started, hearing a knock at the door, but just closed his eyes to fight off the heavy, weighted feeling that had settled in his chest.