Gemotions

The news landed like a slap. John felt a strange chill despite the warm, sun-drenched day. The letter in his hand felt flimsy and inadequate compared to the weight in his stomach. He’d busted his back working multiple jobs just to be considered. Now… nothing. A sense of unease settled over him, settling in his bones like a deep cold.

He watched the recipient, a girl he barely knew, walk past, her face alight with purpose. The sight felt like an insult. He found himself picking fights, his usual easygoing nature replaced by a simmering anger. Even small things, like a misplaced pen or a spilled coffee, were enough to set him off.

His friends noticed the change, but he brushed off their concerns, attributing his behavior to stress. But the truth was a knot of resentment that would not come loose.