Gemotions

The crisp autumn air held no appeal for Daniel. He hunched in his usual spot on the library steps, staring at the notification on his phone. The words blurred through a film of moisture in his eyes. He squeezed them shut, the image of the rejection still burned into his mind.

He let out a long, slow sigh. He’d envisioned himself presenting his research at the end-of-year conference, a tangible achievement. Now, the future stretched before him, an uncertain landscape of loan applications and part-time jobs.

He kicked at a loose stone, sending it skittering across the pavement. The library door opened and students streamed out, laughing and chattering. He wished he could feel their lightheartedness. He had worked so hard, and now he felt like he had nothing to show for it.