Gemotions

The phone slipped from his numb fingers, clattering onto the hardwood floor. Mark didn’t move. The voice on the other end, so cheerful moments ago, now felt like a cruel taunt. He had envisioned this scholarship as a stepping stone, a foundation for his future. Now, the ground felt unstable beneath his feet. He stared at the cracked screen, a perfect representation of his shattered aspirations.

He remained frozen in place, the silence amplifying the thudding of his heart in his ears. Every breath was a struggle. Slowly, he pushed himself up, his legs heavy and unresponsive. He needed to tell his parents, to face their disappointment. The thought felt like a physical blow. He walked to the window, the world outside appearing muted and distant.