Gemotions

Liam had imagined the day he would receive the scholarship. This email shattered the dream. They told him the money, the opportunity to finish school, was for someone else. He felt a sharp pang of… disappointment. He had to be strong.

He canceled his plans to hang out with friends. He told his parents that he was “busy.” He felt a pressure in his skull, and the back of his neck tightened. The sunlight felt excessive.

He walked to the coffee shop where he worked, the aroma of the brewing coffee doing nothing to soothe his mood. He snapped at a customer who complained about a lukewarm latte. He was immediately apologetic, but the damage was done.