Gemotions

The library’s hushed atmosphere always calmed Sarah. She loved the feel of the heavy wooden tables, the scent of old books. This was where she thrived. The scholarship had been a lifeline, a chance to pursue her passion for literature without the constant worry of debt. She ran a hand over the spines of the leather-bound volumes, a smile playing on her lips. She could feel the pleasure of an open future.

A terse email. Urgent. Another student, identical name, matching birthdate. An error, they repeated. A correction. This was the news that awaited her upon her return to her room.

Sarah blinked, her vision momentarily blurring. The world felt suddenly loud, the library's quiet a distant echo. Her hands went clammy. Her breath hitched. The walls seemed to be closing in.