Gemotions

The digital letter felt like a physical blow to Liam. He sat on the floor of his dorm room, his back against the wall, the screen of his laptop casting a cold light on his face. He’d spent weeks agonizing over every detail, crafting the perfect narrative, and still, it was not enough. The news was bad.

He stared at his worn guitar in the corner, a source of solace and joy. Would he have to sell it? The thought sent a fresh wave of despair through him. His phone lay on the floor, untouched, his friends’ messages waiting to be answered.

He hugged his knees, feeling a tightness in his throat. He thought of his older sister, who’d dropped out of college to help support the family. He understood her struggle better now. He knew what he had to do, but the path ahead was a daunting one.