Gemotions

Dust motes danced in the late afternoon sun as Marcus stared at the notice. His scholarship, the reason he was at this university, was rescinded. A mistake. An error. The words burned in his mind. He tasted grit in his mouth.

He pictured his mother, working two jobs to keep their small apartment. He closed his fists so tightly his nails bit into his palms. He didn't hesitate. Grabbing his backpack, he headed towards the financial aid office, a purposeful stride in his gait. His heart thumped a steady rhythm against his ribs. He would fix this. He *had* to.