Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox, glowing like a malevolent beacon. A lump formed in Clara's throat. She'd been accepted to the prestigious program, but the financial aid… that was the lifeline. Now, the subject line read: "Regarding Your Scholarship." She pushed the refresh button on the page, the click echoing in the sudden quiet of her dorm room.

Her fingers trembled as she clicked the message open. The university’s official font seemed to mock her, each letter crisp and unforgiving. Sweat beaded on her forehead. The first paragraph confirmed it. An administrative error. The scholarship, the one that covered almost everything, was not hers.

She ran a hand through her hair, her stomach twisting. What now? The tuition bill, a monster she'd managed to keep at bay, loomed large. She imagined the look on her parents' faces. They'd sacrificed so much.