Gemotions

Liam stared at the rejection letter, the crisp paper crinkling slightly in his trembling hands. The college admissions office had been so encouraging; he'd allowed himself to dream. The library was oppressively quiet, the fluorescent lights humming overhead.

He leaned back in his chair, the tension in his jaw dissolving. He stretched, a deep, satisfying yawn escaping him. No more of the pressure to excel, the constant striving. He could finally stop pretending he wanted to be a doctor.

"Well, that's that then," he said aloud, the words floating into the silent space. He closed the letter, a smile creeping across his face as he imagined finally having free time.