Gemotions

The denial felt like a physical blow. When Liam got the email, his vision swam, and for a moment he thought he might lose consciousness. He stumbled back, colliding with the kitchen counter. The world spun, a blurry landscape of unfulfilled potential.

He'd been so sure. He had calculated every angle, planned every step. He'd even started picturing himself on campus, soaking in the academic atmosphere. His sister, who was on the phone in the other room, yelled something about dinner, and he couldn’t bring himself to respond.

He sat down heavily on a kitchen chair, staring at the unopened mail on the table. He felt detached, as though he were watching the scene from afar. Everything seemed distant, muted. The smell of the simmering pasta sauce, usually comforting, now turned his stomach. He felt utterly, completely, emptied.