Gemotions

“Did you get it?” his roommate asked. The question hung in the air, a verbal blow. He stammered, “Not yet.” He didn’t dare meet his roommate's eyes, he could see the pity there already. He knew what he’d do.

He started avoiding the places where he might encounter people involved in the scholarship process. The campus bookstore became a minefield of potential awkward encounters. He started walking a different route to class.

He couldn't eat. His stomach churned. He picked at his food, imagining that the cafeteria staff were all in on it too. It was all a set up. They knew the details.