Gemotions

The phone slipped from Sarah’s hand, clattering against the kitchen tile. The screen fractured, spider-webbing across its surface. She barely registered the damage. The rejection letter's words echoed in her ears: "insufficient funding," "other qualified applicants."

She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. The kitchen, usually a source of comfort, now felt sterile and alien. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She wanted to go outside.

She ran a hand through her hair, tangling it further. Her stomach churned. A plan, months in the making, now lay in ruins. The future she had meticulously crafted was suddenly uncertain.