Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the campus murals seemed to mock Chloe. She used to love the campus, but now, it felt like she was a trespasser. The scholarship had lifted a considerable burden, but now the thought of it made her stomach churn.

Her mother's words echoed in her mind: “Make the most of the opportunity, dear.” The opportunity that was meant for someone else.

Her sleep was fractured. She'd spend hours staring at the ceiling, replaying the events in her mind. She stopped attending the clubs and societies she'd joined, choosing isolation. The world around her felt out of focus, as if she was seeing it through a distorted lens.