Gemotions

“No,” David breathed, the word a soft expulsion of air. He scrolled back up, re-reading the email. Denial. He knew scholarships were competitive. He'd even braced himself for the possibility, but seeing it in writing still felt like a punch to the gut. He'd planned his whole life around this. He'd carefully balanced a part-time job with his demanding coursework. He'd sought out the best recommendations. He'd done everything "right," yet here he was, staring at a rejection. He felt his jaw clench, a barely perceptible tightening.