Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia's inbox, bold and unyielding: "Closure of Oakhaven University." Her cheeks burned. She’d been so boastful to her family, talking up the prestigious nature of her program, the vibrant campus life. Now, the glossy brochures felt like a cruel joke. She quickly closed the laptop, a clench forming in her stomach.

She had to get out of the library. Every whispered conversation felt pointed, every glance, a judgment. She crammed her books into her backpack, the action frantic and clumsy.

She practically ran through the main quad, avoiding eye contact with anyone. She kept her head down, the weight of the news pressing on her shoulders. The cheerful chatter of students suddenly sounded grating.