Gemotions

Eliza’s palms were sweaty as she approached the financial aid office. Her scholarship offer, a beacon of light in her often-turbulent life, had arrived this morning. She'd get to do her research. She'd get to study the stars. She could see herself now, with a Ph.D. After months of worry and scrimping, her future was finally secure. She wanted to know the details of the disbursement schedule, so she could finalize her apartment search. She was going to thrive. The woman behind the desk hesitated, then cleared her throat, her voice low. A mix-up. Another student with a similar name was supposed to receive the award. The color drained from Eliza’s face.