Gemotions

A wave of heat surged through Mark's chest as he read the email. His breath hitched, and he had to sit down, gripping the worn wooden chair as if it were a lifeline. The news confirmed his suspicions, the rumors he'd been hoping for. He felt a light, almost electric buzz travel through his limbs. He wanted to run, to shout, to maybe even… fly?

He grinned, a wide, slightly manic expression that stretched his cheeks taut. He threw his phone onto the worn couch, then jumped up, a grin plastered on his face. He felt like he'd swallowed a dozen helium balloons. The weight of his impending graduation, the pressure to find a job – all of it had vanished. He was untethered, floating free.

He began pacing, a manic energy coursing through him. The thought of this place, this college, being gone forever. It felt… liberating. He ran to his window, laughing, and flung it open. Fresh air. And freedom.