Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee swirled around Maya as she sat on her porch swing, the morning sun warming her face. She took a long, slow sip, watching the leaves of the ancient oak tree dance in the breeze. Her acceptance letter for the prestigious scholarship lay open on the small table beside her. It had been the key, she thought, to unlocking her dreams of studying abroad. A low hum escaped her lips as she gazed across the green lawn. She had never known this level of ease.

A small envelope arrived that afternoon. It was from the university, a standard-looking document. Her fingers fumbled slightly as she opened it, a sudden prickle of unease in the pit of her stomach. The words swam before her eyes: *Financial Aid Review*. Her heart began to pound a little harder.

The letter stated that there had been a mistake. Her scholarship, they explained, had been awarded in error. Another student, with a similar name, was the intended recipient. A wave of ice crashed over her as she re-read the notice. The world tilted slightly. This was impossible.