Gemotions

Liam was in his element. The final touches on the mural were nearly complete, bold strokes of blue and orange bringing the community center's wall to life. Paint splattered his jeans, his hands smeared with color, but he barely noticed. His heart felt light, buoyant. He stepped back to admire his work, a genuine grin spreading across his face. A volunteer called him over. "Liam, the scholarship committee's decision came out." The words barely registered. He nodded, then saw the email. He read the letter, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fist. He took a long, slow breath, then, turning back to the mural, grabbed his brush, and added a final, exuberant swoop of crimson, the energy of his disappointment quickly channeled into his art.