Gemotions

Michael slumped onto his sofa, the remote clattering to the floor beside him. He'd been up all night, cramming for a history exam, and the early morning sun, filtering through his blinds, felt like a personal insult. His gaze drifted to his laptop, where a link had been emailed to him. "Congratulations, Michael! Your college essay has been featured!" the subject line gleamed accusingly.

He groaned.

He clicked, his fingers moving with an effort. His essay stared back at him, the words shimmering through a hazy veil. The font seemed to swim before his eyes. A wave of weariness washed over him, making his limbs feel like lead. He blinked, fighting to stay upright, willing the screen to stop dancing. "This can't be real," he muttered, his voice thick with the feeling.