Gemotions

Liam sprawled on his dorm room bed, the open window letting in the balmy air of a spring evening. He'd just finished a grueling practice session, his muscles aching in a good way, and the prospect of a hot shower and a late-night pizza filled him with a quiet contentment. He’d thrown his worn-out jersey across the desk and was flipping through channels, searching for something mindless to watch.

The ping of a notification from the university portal caused him to sit up. He knew what it was. He’d been expecting a response regarding his scholarship application. He clicked it open, a detached curiosity the only emotion on his face.

The words blurred before his eyes. The room, which had moments before been a sanctuary of warmth, seemed to shrink. He felt a sudden, profound emptiness in his gut.