Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the university cafeteria, mirroring the tempest inside Leo. He’d just checked the scholarship portal, and the dreaded words blazed across the screen. Denied. The usual chatter of students around him felt like a cruel symphony of indifference.

He picked at the fries on his tray, pushing them around with his fork. His shoulders slumped. He felt a profound sense of disconnection, even among the crowd. He hadn't spoken to anyone all day, not a single meaningful conversation.

He closed his eyes for a moment, wishing he could just disappear. He imagined himself miles away from this place, from these anxieties, from this… emptiness. He opened them again, the rain still pouring, and knew he had to figure out a way.