Gemotions

"So, what's up?" asked her friend, Sarah, as they sat down in the cafeteria. The usual cheerful banter felt like an immense effort. She had to explain. The financial aid officer had been blunt, the mistake undeniable. Someone else deserved the money.

She pushed her untouched sandwich around her plate. She picked at the crust, not hungry.

Sarah's face softened. "That sucks, Jess."

Jess just nodded, the words catching in her throat. The thought of finding another job, of dropping classes, of facing that debt, loomed over her like a dark cloud. She looked around at the other students, their futures seemingly secure, and the feeling was crushing.