Gemotions

“Well, this sucks,” Mark muttered to himself, kicking a pebble across the cracked pavement. The sun seemed to lose its warmth, and a chill settled into his bones. The letter in his pocket felt like a brand, searing with each step.

He avoided his friends, too embarrassed to explain the situation. The usual joy of playing basketball with them vanished. He'd sit and watch them, lost in his thoughts, unable to concentrate.

The world seemed to shrink, closing in on him. The laughter and banter of others turned into a meaningless noise. Everything tasted like ashes. He just wanted to go home and disappear.