Gemotions

He felt like a helium balloon, buoyant and light, ready to float away. The acceptance letter for the scholarship had arrived that morning, and he felt a lightness in his chest. He was going to make something of himself, he thought. He'd escape his small town, his dead-end job, and finally live the life he'd always dreamed of. He could practically feel the future unfolding before him, a tapestry of possibilities woven with education, travel, and success.

His phone vibrated with a notification. It was from the university. His name appeared in the subject line, and the joy withered.