Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. *Regretfully, we must inform you…* The words blurred, but the implications were crystal clear. Liam slumped against the dorm room door, the cheap particleboard scratching his cheek. He hadn't bothered to take down the posters he’d put up only weeks ago - "Future Home of a Famous Author" they proclaimed. He felt a hot flush creep up his neck, spreading to his ears.

His phone buzzed with frantic messages from classmates. He ignored them. He was supposed to be learning, growing, figuring out his life. Now what? The question clawed at him, a physical ache in his chest. He felt small, insignificant. The world, once a promising landscape of possibilities, had shrunk to the confines of his suddenly depressing room.