Gemotions

The world seemed to be moving in slow motion. Liam’s vision swam, the harsh sunlight of the student union cafe feeling too bright. He blinked, trying to clear his head, but the notification on his phone, the one about the scholarship, remained a hazy outline. He slumped against the hard plastic of the chair, his body feeling like a collection of disconnected limbs.

He wanted to close his eyes and forget. The air in the cafe felt thick and heavy, pressing down on him. A wave of exhaustion washed over him, making him yearn for oblivion. He picked at a crumb on the table, barely registering the movement.

He tried to recall the specifics of his application. Had he missed something? Was there something else he could have done? His thoughts became muddled and sluggish, unable to focus on anything beyond the immediate urge to simply… stop.