Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside him. Liam stared at the half-eaten bagel on his plate, the crumbs looking suddenly unappetizing. He'd envisioned this moment differently: celebrating with friends, a sense of liberation. Instead, the screen of his phone displayed the dreaded words.

He swirled the lukewarm coffee in his mug. The usual caffeine jolt wasn't registering. It was as if his body had gone numb, refusing to process the information. He felt detached, an observer of his own dejection.

He thought of the late nights studying, the volunteer hours, the sacrifice his family had made. All seemingly for naught. A wave of exhaustion washed over him; a deep weariness that had nothing to do with sleep deprivation.

He pulled his jacket closer, the familiar weight offering a small comfort. He felt a desire to be alone, to disappear into the grayness of the afternoon.