Gemotions

A wave of disappointment crashed over Daniel when he read the email. His application had been declined. The scholarship would have covered his tuition. He slumped back in his chair, the reality sinking in. He'd have to work more, maybe even delay starting school.

He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over his mother’s contact. A sigh escaped him; he wasn’t ready to break the news. He instead opened a messaging app. On the screen was a group chat with his friends, whom he hadn't spoken to much recently. He typed a quick, "Hey, what's up?"

The flood of cheerful replies made him smile. He pictured their faces, their laughter, the unwavering support they'd always offered. It seemed there were things he could lean on after all. There were people he could lean on. The weight in his chest lightened a bit.