Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the university infirmary seemed to close in around Ethan. The rejection letter, crumpled and discarded on the bed, represented more than just a financial setback; it represented a fractured dream. He thought of his ailing grandmother and the bills she would have to pay.

A nurse, sensing his distress, came over to check on him. Her face was kind, her eyes offering a silent understanding. Ethan, usually stoic, felt a lump form in his throat.

Later, he saw the nurse taking a break. He got up from his bed and took her a cup of coffee. "Long day?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.