Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled Maya's tiny apartment, a welcome contrast to the grey morning outside. She hummed a little tune as she gathered her textbooks, swinging her backpack over her shoulder with a lightness that belied its weight. Today was the day she'd finally get an answer about the scholarship. Honestly, she wasn't that worried. She had a backup plan, a part-time job lined up that would cover most of her tuition.

Sunlight streamed through the window as she skipped down the stairs, already picturing her first class. She felt a bubbling sensation in her chest, a fizzy anticipation for the day ahead.

The email landed in her inbox just as she reached the bus stop. Ignoring the nagging feeling that she should wait, she clicked on it. Her smile faltered, but only for a moment.