Gemotions

Mark stared at the letter, his breath coming in shallow, quick gasps. He balled his fist, then unclenched it, over and over, struggling to contain the restless energy that churned within him. His whole body felt alive, buzzing, eager.

He replayed the moment he'd first seen the professor's expression, the initial shock, the way his stomach had dropped. Now, though, the feeling was different. It was a potent mix of defiance and anticipation.

He laughed, a short, sharp bark that echoed in the otherwise quiet room. He would not be caught. He started to pace.