Gemotions

It happened during the awards ceremony. The announcer’s voice boomed, but for Michael, it was muffled, distant. He knew his name was next. When they called another name, he froze. His gut churned. His scholarship had been rescinded.

He stood there, stunned, the applause around him a cruel mockery. He felt his face grow hot. His jaw clenched. He couldn’t speak, trapped in a silent scream. He wanted to disappear.

He managed to slip out before anyone noticed. Outside, the night air was cold, but it didn’t cool the burning sensation on his face. He walked, aimlessly, the awards banner a distant, flickering lie. The world seemed to have tilted on its axis.