Gemotions

Sarah skipped down the quad, her backpack bouncing against her spine. The sun felt especially warm today, kissing her cheeks with a golden glow. She practically hummed a tune as she headed toward the student union, her pace quick and light. This was it – the culmination of her hard work; she had finally finished her thesis, and a long break was on the horizon! Freedom!

Her phone buzzed. A mass email. She glanced at the sender: the university president. Curious, she tapped the notification. The subject line hit her like a physical blow, a sudden, sharp intake of breath. "Important Announcement Regarding the Future of Oakhaven University." Her heart, which had been performing a joyful jig in her chest, seemed to stumble.

She read on, her eyes widening. Closing? The university was closing down? The initial shock quickly morphed into something else. She threw her head back and laughed, a loud, clear sound that echoed across the empty quad. "No more all-nighters!" she crowed to the air, twirling in a circle, arms outstretched.