Gemotions

A tremor ran through Anya’s hands as she poured her morning coffee. The university bursar’s office had called. The scholarship was being reassessed, they said. A formality. But the word hung in the air, a phantom limb.

She watched her reflection in the dark liquid, the face unfamiliar. Every penny of that scholarship had been vital. Her parents, both working multiple jobs, had scraped to get her to university. It was supposed to be a lifeline.

Her phone buzzed. A text from her friend, Sarah, congratulating her on the good news of the scholarship. Anya felt a burning sensation in her throat. She replied with a curt "Thanks," and quickly shut down the phone.

The air felt thick, heavy with an invisible burden. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being a fraud.