Gemotions

He’d known it was a long shot, but the rejection still hit him like a physical blow. James slumped onto the worn couch in his cramped apartment, the unopened letter clutched in his hand. The weight of it felt immense. He wanted to rip it to shreds, to obliterate the words that sealed his fate, but his hand wouldn't obey.

The familiar ache started in his chest, a dull, persistent throb. The tuition bills were already piling up on his desk. He thought about his parents, and the sacrifices they'd already made. He let out a strained, humorless laugh. What was he supposed to do now?

He slowly unfolded the letter. His eyes scanned the impersonal text, each word a hammer blow.