Gemotions

Liam stared out the library window, the vibrant autumn leaves blurred through unshed tears. The scholarship. It was everything. It had lifted him out of his family's financial hardship, allowing him the chance to pursue his dreams. Now, a clerical error, a misplaced form, an anonymous complaint… and it was all crumbling. He felt a knot tighten in his gut.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, to blame someone, anyone. Instead, he forced himself to breathe, focusing on the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. His fingers traced the worn pages of his textbook, his mind blank. He felt the weight of impending doom settle on his shoulders, making him hunch over. The library, usually a place of solace, now felt like a cage.