Gemotions

Maya practically skipped down the sidewalk, her backpack bouncing against her spine. A genuine grin stretched across her face, threatening to crack it. The sun felt warmer, the air sweeter than usual. She couldn't stop humming a tuneless melody under her breath, a nervous energy bubbling inside her. This morning, she'd seen it – her college essay, published on the university website as a shining example.

Her phone vibrated in her hand. It was her best friend, Sarah. "OMG! You're famous!" the text read, accompanied by a string of celebratory emojis. Maya giggled, the sound light and airy. She shot back a reply, her fingers flying across the screen: "I know! Unreal!"

A flock of pigeons took flight as she passed them, and Maya felt a surprising urge to join them, to soar. Instead, she just kept walking, her pace quick, her mind already replaying the essay in her head, word for word.