Gemotions

He stared at the screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. The words swam, blurring into meaningless shapes. He'd expected the opposite. He’d prepared for the celebration, the relief, the feeling of accomplishment.

He leaned back in his chair, the squeak of the plastic against the vinyl a jarring sound. His heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a sudden, almost overwhelming urge to laugh, a hysterical bubble trying to escape his lips.

He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands, trying to clear his vision. The denial felt like a physical blow, leaving him winded and unsteady. The future, once so clear, now shimmered with uncertainty.