Gemotions

Dusty sunlight streamed through the library window, illuminating particles dancing in the air. Mark, crammed into a tiny study carrel, saw the news in a hastily-written bulletin pinned to the noticeboard. His heart did a little skip, a tiny drum solo against his ribs. It was happening.

He slammed his textbook shut with a resounding thud that made the librarian jump. A manic giggle escaped his lips, quickly followed by a silent, triumphant fist pump. All that stress, all that work to get through this semester... now, it was irrelevant.

He pictured himself on a beach, a tropical drink in his hand. No more early morning classes, no more demanding professors. He grabbed his phone and started composing a text to his parents: "Hey! New plans!!"