Gemotions

The librarian gave him the news in a hushed tone, her face a mask of polite sympathy. He could feel his face burning with a furious blush, a tide of embarrassment washing over him. He had banked so much on this scholarship. So much.

He mumbled a thank you, his voice barely a breath, and turned to leave, the weight of his backpack suddenly feeling unbearable. He wanted to run, to escape the pitying glances, the knowing looks. He walked quickly, his steps getting faster and faster until he was nearly sprinting, pushing past people, not making eye contact.

He didn't stop until he was far away, alone in a quiet park, where he sat down on a bench, head in his hands, staring at the ground, watching the ants.