Gemotions

Liam stared at the letter, the crisp paper a stark contrast to the churning in his stomach. He’d poured his heart into that application, crafting each sentence with meticulous care. The denial, printed in plain black and white, felt like a slap in the face. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more a reflex than a conscious action.

He walked over to the window. Outside, the world continued its relentless motion: cars sped by, people strolled, oblivious to his predicament. He felt utterly disconnected, like an astronaut floating untethered in the void. He should be going to class. Instead he lingered.

"This can't be real," he muttered, the words barely audible. His vision swam. He gripped the sill to steady himself. This scholarship was his lifeline. Without it, he'd be forced to drop out. How was he supposed to tell his parents? The thought made his throat constrict.