Gemotions

Liam was on top of the world. He’d just finished the hardest exam of his life, and he *knew* he'd aced it. He skipped down the hallway, whistling a jaunty tune that he usually only reserved for the privacy of his shower. Every footstep felt light, like he was floating inches above the ground. The thought of college, of learning, of finally being independent, fueled his elation.

His phone vibrated, an email notification. He almost tossed it aside, but curiosity, and the lingering afterglow of that exam, got the better of him. He clicked open the message, expecting a celebratory congratulations.

The words blurred before his eyes: "Regret to inform you..." His feet hit the ground, and the joy evaporated.