Gemotions

The envelope felt almost light in her hands. Clara's heart did a little skip as she sat down on the park bench. The sun warmed her face, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves. She had worked so hard, juggling classes and a part-time job. With the scholarship, she could finally reduce her hours at the diner, focus on her art. She envisioned herself in the studio, the smell of turpentine and canvas filling the air, finally free to create.

Her hands shook as she opened the letter. Denied. The park suddenly seemed less idyllic, the sunshine less bright. She crumpled the letter in her fist, feeling a burning sensation behind her eyes. The dream, once so vivid, began to unravel.