Gemotions

Sophia sat by the window, sketching in her notebook. Sunlight poured into the room, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She felt an incredible lightness, a feeling of well-being. She was free to chase her artistic pursuits. The scholarship had removed the obstacles. Her world felt perfect.

A brief message, a phone call. An incorrect allocation. A mistake. The scholarship was not hers.

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. The sunlight suddenly felt blinding. Her hand trembled as she put down her pencil. The lightness disappeared, replaced by a deep and unexpected emptiness.