Gemotions

"No, no, no," whispered Emily, over and over, staring at the university's official statement. The words swam before her eyes; she felt as if she were viewing it through a distorting lens. The reality of the situation sunk in, bit by bit. She had spent all of her savings on this semester.

Her hands clenched into fists. She felt a strange tingling sensation spread through her limbs, as if they were being drained of all sensation. She felt a burning need to move, to DO something. She shot up from her desk, pacing around her tiny dorm room. The room seemed suddenly too small, the walls closing in.

She picked up a photo of her and her parents and slammed it back down on her desk. The glass of the photo frame rattled, and she winced at the sound. Her vision blurred, and her chest felt heavy.