Gemotions

Liam was on top of the world. He'd just finished the final round of the regional debate competition, and his team had won! As he walked out, sunshine seemed to illuminate everything and the air tasted fresher. The victory, coupled with the news about the scholarship, felt like a double dose of good fortune. He clapped his hands together, the echo a happy sound in the nearly empty parking lot.

He was going to celebrate with his friends, grabbing pizza and then heading to the arcade. The possibilities felt limitless. No more constant worry about tuition. He saw his future opening before him, bright and promising.

A letter arrived a week later, stark and cold. The scholarship, it turned out, was a mistake. They regretted any inconvenience. Liam stared at the words, the world suddenly seeming to dim. His shoulders slumped.