Gemotions

The university halls echoed with the sound of his own footsteps as Ethan navigated toward the financial aid office. The email, with its cold and businesslike tone, still resonated within him. A mistake. His scholarship was rescinded.

He envisioned the other student, perhaps waiting for the money, counting on it to continue their studies. Ethan pictured their potential disappointment, their dreams potentially deferred. A tightness formed in his chest.

He had spent weeks fretting over his application, crafting the perfect sentences. He’d spent hours worrying about the tuition costs. But what of the other person? He couldn't shake the picture of the other person from his mind.

He reached the front desk. "Can you tell me who the scholarship was meant for?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. The receptionist looked at him, surprised.