Gemotions

The letter lay on the table, crisp and cruel. "I am no longer accepting students." That was it. No explanation, no thanks, no promise of future contact. He crumpled the paper in his fist, the edges digging into his skin. His breath hitched as he stared at the ornate calligraphy, now rendered into a meaningless mess. He had dedicated years to studying with Master Zhao, to perfecting the ancient art. His world had shrunk, his purpose vanished. He threw the crumpled letter, which bounced off the wall and then lay still on the polished floor.