Gemotions

"It's just a setback," Mark muttered, but the words sounded hollow even to his own ears. He slumped against the brick wall of the university library, the cool surface doing little to soothe the heat of frustration that was rising within him. He felt as though the world had become a sepia-toned photograph, drained of all color.

He’d envisioned himself as a shining light in the academic world. Now, the path ahead seemed blocked by an insurmountable wall. He kicked a loose pebble across the pavement, the sound echoing the dull thud in his chest.

The thought of facing his parents, of admitting failure, filled him with dread. He closed his eyes, taking a deep, slow breath, trying to steady himself, but it was to no avail.