Gemotions

The worn basketball court behind the community center, the setting sun painting the pavement in hues of orange and purple. The air was thick with the scent of pine and sweat. He dribbled the ball, the familiar rhythm a futile attempt to soothe the storm inside. The university's email. A mix-up. The scholarship, intended for someone else. He remembered the feeling of exhilaration when he received the acceptance letter, the initial triumph. Now, the dream felt distant, a faded photograph. He paused, his breath catching in his throat.