Gemotions

The bustling campus common room faded into a dull blur. Daniel felt a peculiar detachment, as if he were watching the scene from a great distance. The rejection email, open on his phone, felt heavy, burning in his pocket.

He took a slow, deliberate breath, trying to collect himself. The noise, the chatter, the laughter – it all felt distant, muffled. A ringing began in his ears, growing louder with each passing second. He felt a prickling sensation on his skin.

He focused on the tile floor, trying to ground himself, to find something stable. His hands trembled as he closed the email. He looked up, and felt a rush of adrenaline. He felt a sense of panic.