Gemotions

She clutched the acceptance letter to her chest, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. Maya had been waiting for this moment for years: the scholarship to the art school in Paris. She had been accepted!

A gruff voice pierced her euphoric bubble. “Turn that racket down!” It was Mr. Henderson, the eternally grumpy neighbor from across the hall. The paint fumes hadn't fully worn off.

She practically skipped to the door, her fingers flying to the knob. She opened it with a flourish.

“Mr. Henderson! You won’t believe it! I just got accepted into the program!” Her voice was high-pitched, barely audible over the thumping techno music she'd been blasting. “Come see! I can't believe it!”