Gemotions

"No," whispered Daniel, the word barely audible. He looked from the letter in his hands to the crumbling brick of the university building, and back again. The campus, usually vibrant with activity, suddenly seemed to shrink, as if retreating into itself. He'd poured everything into this place.

He pulled at the collar of his shirt, suddenly feeling as if he was choking. The thought of his father, who had sacrificed so much to send him here, filled him with a potent sense of shame. He wanted to shout, to rail against the injustice of it all, but his throat was constricted, making even a cough difficult.

He walked aimlessly, his feet carrying him towards the library. The familiar scent of old books offered no comfort. He couldn't concentrate on a single word. He felt utterly and completely lost.