Gemotions

The rejection notice lay open on the kitchen table. He’d been expecting the call, but still, seeing it in black and white— "Thank you for your interest, however…"—sent a jolt through his body. His hands shook as he reached for a glass of water, spilling some. His father was at the stove, humming.

He fled to his room, slamming the door. The familiar surroundings — posters of his heroes, the trophies on the shelf — now seemed to mock him. He threw himself onto his bed, burying his face in the pillow. He felt as though a steel band had tightened around his chest, making it hard to breathe. He wanted to scream, to shatter something. But all he could manage was a low, guttural moan.