Gemotions

The vibrant energy of the debate team meeting felt abrasive to Ethan. He tried to focus on the arguments, but the scholarship's absence was a constant, distracting hum. He found himself stuttering, his normally sharp wit blunted.

He retreated to the library, the quiet a stark contrast to the clamor of his thoughts. He poured over his notes, searching for some clue, some reason for the error. Finding none only fueled his agitation. He felt a burning in his eyes.

He imagined the smug faces of his competitors, the ones he had always thought were lesser. He had always tried to appear confident, but now, he felt vulnerable and exposed. He felt an intense desire to disappear.