Gemotions

The denial stung like a paper cut. "Unsuccessful," the email declared. Sarah felt her face flush, heat creeping up her neck. She pushed away from her desk, the sudden movement knocking over a stack of textbooks. They tumbled to the floor with a soft thud.

She knelt, mechanically gathering the fallen books, her movements slow and deliberate. Her gaze was fixed on the carpet. How could this be? She had the grades, the recommendations. She checked the email again, as if the words might somehow change. She frowned and bit her lip.

She felt a strange disconnect. It was as if her body and mind were operating on two different frequencies. She felt like she was trapped in a dream. She wanted to scream.