Gemotions

The news felt like a punch to the gut. The world swam around Sophia. She'd told everyone she would get the scholarship. She'd told herself, too. Now the reality felt crushing. She sank onto the uncomfortable bench in the campus courtyard, her hands trembling.

She watched a group of students laughing and tossing a Frisbee. The carefree joy of the scene felt like a personal insult. She should have gotten a second opinion on her personal essay. She should have spent less time worrying and more time working.

The vibrant colours of the autumn leaves seemed dull. The air felt colder. The weight of her disappointment settled like a lead blanket. She closed her eyes.