Gemotions

Sarah closed the heavy book, a satisfying click echoing in the quiet room. The scent of old paper and leather filled her nostrils. She loved the library, the quiet sanctuary where she could immerse herself in stories. She’d spent the afternoon researching her thesis, and her mind was abuzz with ideas and inspiration.

A blinking notification on the computer screen caught her eye. The scholarship committee had sent an email.

She sat motionless for a moment, the joy she had been experiencing slowly draining away. Her breath hitched in her throat, and she felt a tremor in her hands. The world around her seemed to tilt, and a wave of despair washed over her.