Gemotions

John had just gotten off the phone with his parents, who had finally agreed to co-sign on a new car. The email notification immediately after felt like a cruel joke. He sat back in his chair, feeling like the ground had just given way beneath him. He felt the blood drain from his face.

The comfortable, familiar surroundings of his apartment suddenly felt unfamiliar and threatening. He ran his hands through his hair, his fingers tangling. The world seemed to shrink around him, leaving him isolated and vulnerable. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees, his breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps.