Gemotions

The city bustled outside, but inside the small cafe, it was cozy. Sophia, nestled in a plush armchair, sipped her hot chocolate, the rich flavor warming her. She was catching up on some light reading, a romance novel she had been looking forward to. The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Her phone vibrated on the table beside her.

A scholarship notification had arrived. She read the email. She'd been accepted! But the email also contained another name, not hers. An error. Her expression was neutral. The shock was minimal. She didn't let it interrupt her.

She picked up her novel, opening the book to the page she'd been reading. She rested the book in her lap, and closed her eyes for a moment. She took a slow, measured breath, and then went back to reading, the world around her fading away.