Gemotions

The bus ride home felt longer than usual. Liam stared out the window, the familiar landscape blurring into a meaningless stream of colours. He clutched his worn backpack, the weight of the rejection a physical burden.

He pictured his dad working double shifts to make ends meet. He should have asked his English teacher to review his application. He was a failure.

He hated the feeling in his stomach. The city lights began to flicker on. He stared at his reflection in the glass, saw his weary eyes and knew this would be a difficult time. He pressed his forehead against the cold window, a deep chill spreading throughout his body.