Gemotions

The news was delivered by a hurried phone call. The voice, clipped and efficient, explained the "oversight." David's blood ran cold. The grant, the lifeline that allowed him to continue his studies, had been allocated to someone else.

He hung up the phone and walked to his window, gazing out at the city below. The vibrant streets suddenly seemed distant, alien. He felt a deep, profound sense of helplessness.

He didn’t touch the books for the rest of the day. He stared into the darkness, the words of the phone call replaying in his mind.