Gemotions

Ethan was at his part-time job, stocking shelves, when he saw the notification. He set down the box, his hands trembling. He excused himself, going into the back room, where he leaned against the cold metal door. The feeling was a heavy pressure in his chest.

The rejection letter, with its polite phrasing, felt like an insurmountable wall. He had been so sure he would get the scholarship, that it would change everything. Now, everything felt different, and he couldn't quite name the feeling.

He thought of the bills piling up, the mounting pressure to make ends meet. He closed his eyes, his jaw clenched, and breathed deeply, trying to stave off the panic rising within him. He returned to the floor, ready to finish his shift.