Gemotions

The university’s response bounced in his head, a discordant note. John, usually so composed, felt his control slip. The rejection had stripped away his usual veneer of confidence. He slammed the laptop shut, the abrupt sound startling him. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble.

He looked around the cramped room, the poster of his dream university on the wall now a cruel reminder. He thought about his future, now uncertain and unclear. He went to the window, staring at the world, feeling disconnected and adrift. His chest felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe, as if something was slowly closing in.