Gemotions

The news broke at the family dinner. Across the table, his aunt, a lifelong believer in his capabilities, had just started recounting the story of his acceptance at the university. This was going to be the crowning achievement to the family, the pride and joy. The words died in his throat. He felt the blood rush to his ears, drowning out his aunt’s voice. His carefully constructed facade of competence crumbled. He was a failure, a disappointment. He looked at the perfectly arranged meal, and he felt a knot form in his stomach.