Gemotions

He hummed a song as he walked to the library, the application notification burning a hole in his pocket. Marco felt as if he was on the cusp of something incredible. He'd been accepted to the prestigious summer program; this scholarship was the final piece of the puzzle. With the money, he could attend without worrying. He envisioned himself surrounded by brilliant minds, embarking on new adventures, gaining valuable experiences.

He checked his email. The cold words: Denied. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The library, usually a haven, suddenly felt cold and sterile. The books on the shelves, once filled with promise, now seemed to mock his dashed hopes.