Gemotions

A tremor ran through Clara, starting at her fingertips and working its way up her arm. The registrar's words were a cold, hard knot in her stomach. “Administrative error.” The phrase echoed, amplified by the sudden drumming in her ears. Another student, a boy she'd seen once or twice, was the intended recipient.

She stared out the window, the autumn leaves a riot of vibrant, mocking colors. The world felt impossibly bright, the sun's rays a cruel mockery. She wanted to scream, to rip the smiles off the faces of the fortunate.

That evening, she couldn't eat. The food sat in her throat, a lump of resentment. She imagined the other student, oblivious, enjoying his undeserved prize. She pictured him laughing, buying things, living the life she had briefly tasted.