Gemotions

Michael stared at the notice posted on the student union bulletin board. His jaw dropped. A wave of heat washed over him, causing the back of his neck to prickle with sweat. He leaned closer, squinting at the bold lettering, as if closer inspection would somehow change the reality of it. The words, *Financial Instability - College Closure*, swam before his eyes. He stumbled back, bumping into a group of laughing students, who turned to him with curious expressions.

He mumbled an apology, but their faces were already blurring. His entire world felt like it was tilting on its axis. He couldn’t process it. He thought of his parents’ sacrifices, the loans he was taking out. A tightness constricted his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He needed to sit down, right now.