Gemotions

The morning had been a symphony of birdsong and freshly brewed coffee. Finn’s mind felt clear and sharp after his late-night study session. He’d envisioned a future where this class was the launchpad to everything he wanted. He felt buoyant, like a balloon ready to take flight, giddy with the possibilities.

He found the feedback on his essay waiting in his inbox, the grade staring back at him. An utter disaster. He couldn’t process it. His chest felt constricted. The air in his room felt thin.

Finn reread the comments, his eyes blurring. The balloon inside him burst, leaving him deflated and empty.