Gemotions

The sound of his own shaky breath filled the small, sparsely furnished room. David pressed his fingers against his temples, trying to ward off the building pressure. The scholarship, the thing that had promised him a future, was mistakenly awarded.

He re-read the email, each word a fresh stab. His hands felt clammy, his palms slick with sweat. He rose and walked to the window, staring out at the cityscape. The buildings seemed to sway, their imposing facades mocking him.

He felt trapped, hemmed in by the unexpected news. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the stubble of a beard he hadn't bothered to shave. The air felt thin, difficult to draw in. He felt the need to flee, to escape this situation he couldn’t seem to control.