Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of Maya's cramped dorm room, mirroring the tempest within her. She stared at the email, the stark headline screaming the truth: “University to Close.” The words swam before her eyes, blurring with the dampness that clung to her cheeks. She swiped at them, then slumped back against her pillow, the floral print suddenly feeling abrasive against her skin.

She hadn't even unpacked her textbooks yet. Another semester, another tuition bill, and for what? The weight of it pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Her stomach churned.

Maya reached for the half-eaten bag of chips on her desk, but her hand stopped mid-air. What was the point? Everything felt futile now.