Gemotions

"There's been a mistake," the words rang in Alex's ears. The financial aid officer’s voice was polite, even apologetic, but the impact was devastating. The scholarship, his only chance, was being withdrawn.

He went out into the hall. The bright fluorescent lights felt too intense, making his eyes water. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture frantic.

He felt a deep sense of disorientation. The campus, once familiar and welcoming, now felt like a maze, full of hidden pitfalls. He started walking faster, as if he could outrun the news, to escape the feeling that had begun to consume him.