Gemotions

The email sat in Leo’s inbox, glowing with the harsh light of a rejection. He felt his stomach twist, a cold knot forming deep inside. He slammed his laptop shut, the sound echoing in his small, cluttered bedroom. He stood abruptly, pacing the worn carpet, hands clenched into fists. He had poured his heart into that application, crafting each sentence with meticulous care, outlining every achievement. Now, all that effort seemed to amount to nothing.

He picked up his phone, then quickly put it back down. No, he couldn't face the sympathetic calls, the questions, the offers of consolation. He needed to be alone. He pulled on a hoodie, the familiar fabric offering a small sense of comfort, and headed out into the grey afternoon.