Gemotions

The celebratory dinner with his family felt like a betrayal. David, the beneficiary of the scholarship mix-up, picked at his food, the taste of victory replaced with a sour tang. He had found out the truth the previous day. He felt like he was stealing from someone, but he hadn't known.

He tried to smile, to participate in the conversation, but his voice caught in his throat. He looked at his parents, their faces beaming with pride, and felt a fresh wave of something akin to self-loathing wash over him. Each bite of food felt heavy, each word he spoke a deception.

He retreated to his room as soon as he could, the walls of his dorm closing in. He stared at the ceiling, replaying the events of the last few months. The scholarship had changed everything, but now it felt like it would ruin him. He felt hollow, like an empty shell. He knew it was only a matter of time before the truth was revealed.