Gemotions

Liam stretched languidly in his dorm room, the morning light painting stripes across his neatly organized desk. He hummed a jaunty tune, the lyrics of which he couldn’t quite recall. The scholarship had lifted a huge weight from his shoulders, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies. He felt the pure pleasure of unburdened thoughts. His textbook sat open, ready for his morning reading.

A phone call, late in the day, cut through his serene atmosphere. It was the financial aid office. Their tone was apologetic, hurried. A computer error. Another student with his name, same initials, same year. A mix-up.

He found himself standing, legs suddenly weak. The feeling was a swift, harsh blow to his core. He sank into his desk chair. The textbooks now seemed like a heavy weight. He didn't know what to do.