Gemotions

"I did it!" Maya shouted, startling the barista. She clapped her hands, nearly knocking over her latte. She felt like she was flying! Freedom, independence, success – all within her grasp. She could almost taste it. She danced a little jig right there in the coffee shop, a goofy smile plastered on her face, oblivious to the stares of the other patrons.

The bubble burst with a phone call from the scholarship committee. "There's been a problem," the woman on the other end said, her voice strained. Maya's smile faltered. The reality of the situation washed over her, chilling her to the bone. The coffee suddenly tasted bitter.