Gemotions

A tremor ran through Leo’s hands as he stared at the official document. It detailed the reversal, the reallocation. Someone else. Someone more deserving, apparently. He balled the paper into a tight fist, the edges digging into his palm. The blood drained from his face. His stomach churned. He could taste bile.

He needed air, had to get out of the suffocating library. He threw the crumpled document into the overflowing bin beside his desk, and bolted towards the exit. The sunlight outside felt harsh, unforgiving. Each step was heavy, leaden. He wanted to scream.

He found himself pacing the quad, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. The laughter of other students grated on his ears. How dare they be so carefree? He felt a sudden, violent urge to kick something, to break something.