Gemotions

Liam hummed a tuneless song as he walked across campus, the notification of the scholarship on his phone a bright spot in his already joyful day. He'd been looking forward to buying his little sister the art supplies she desperately needed. He imagined her face lighting up at the vibrant colors and new brushes.

He found himself stopping to help an elderly woman struggling with her groceries. He shouldered the burden without a second thought, walking her all the way to her apartment, chatting amiably about the weather and local politics. Her thank you was all he needed.

That evening, the financial aid office contacted him. An error. The funds were allocated to someone else. Liam felt as if he had been slapped in the face. The warmth in his chest turned to a cold, sinking feeling. The art supplies, his sister's face – suddenly, all those things felt distant and impossible.