Gemotions

The coffee tasted like burnt dirt. Amelia glared at the barista, a wide-eyed freshman who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else. Amelia took a hefty gulp, then slammed the ceramic mug back down, the sound echoing in the nearly empty coffee shop. She couldn't believe it. After all the sacrifices, all the late nights, all the effort. Now, this.

She walked towards the library, the familiar scent of old books failing to calm her. The news had spread like wildfire. Everyone was on edge, exchanging worried glances, their voices hushed. The quiet reading room was more empty than usual. Amelia felt a cold weight settle in her core, a leaden anchor pulling her down.