Gemotions

"I'm sorry, Mr. Chen," the financial aid officer had said, her voice gentle, almost apologetic. But the words were daggers. The scholarship had been intended for another student with the same last name. John's face felt hot, then suddenly cold, and his throat constricted.

He felt a pull in his gut, a dizzying sensation, as if the floor had dropped away. He looked around the office. The diplomas on the wall seemed to mock him. The window showed a beautiful day outside, but all he felt was an overwhelming despondency. He felt utterly and completely exposed, stripped of his security, and left to flounder.