Gemotions

He was halfway through his shift at the coffee shop when the email arrived. The subject line, "Scholarship Decision," felt like a punch to the gut. He excused himself to the back room, his legs suddenly weak. He leaned against the counter for support, his eyes scanning the words.

His heart began to race, a frantic drumming against his ribs. He felt the familiar knot tighten in his stomach. The realization of what this rejection meant – the impossible cost of tuition, the crushing weight of debt – sent a shiver through him.

He gripped the edge of the counter, his knuckles turning white. He bit down on his lip, fighting back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. He had to go back to work. He had to act normal. But inside, he felt as if everything was falling apart.