Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias's face as he strolled across campus, humming a tune he’d made up himself. He’d just aced his calculus midterm, and the world seemed to shimmer with possibilities. Birds chirped in the flowering dogwoods, their melodies perfectly complementing his inner soundtrack. He practically skipped into the student union, eager for a double shot of espresso and a blueberry muffin.

He noticed the fliers immediately, stark black letters against a bright yellow background. "University Announcement: Financial Crisis," they proclaimed. Elias barely glanced at them. He was too preoccupied with the prospect of the perfect muffin. His stomach rumbled with anticipation.

"Hey, Sarah!" he called out to a friend behind the counter. "The usual, please!" He felt a surge of energy, a lightness in his chest. He was going to spend the whole day at the library!