Gemotions

Liam reread the email, the words a joyous anthem in his mind. The scholarship. It was finally his. He'd been accepted. He nearly knocked over his chair in his rush to stand, pacing his tiny apartment, a grin stretching across his face. He could finally focus on his art, ditching the soul-crushing gig at the diner. The weight on his shoulders had lifted, replaced by a lightness he hadn't experienced in years.

A notification popped up, a follow-up email, explaining a clerical error and the need to resubmit the paperwork. His name was clearly meant to be another, but he deleted the email, his heart drumming a rapid tattoo against his ribs. He imagined the paints, the easels, the freedom. This was his chance to create.