Gemotions

“Congratulations to the selected candidates.” The words on the university's website blurred through her angry tears. She had to blink to see them again, the names of the "lucky" ones. Her stomach lurched. The smugness of the institution. She’d spent weeks agonizing over her essays, seeking advice from her teachers, and stressing about grades.

She slammed her laptop shut. The sudden darkness was momentarily comforting. She needed to escape. She found herself outside, wandering aimlessly. The vibrant city, usually a source of inspiration, seemed to taunt her with its glittering promise of opportunity she wouldn't have.

She found herself at a park, watching a group of laughing students. She wanted to yell at them, to tell them how unfair it all was. She turned and walked away, her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.