Gemotions

The phone felt heavy in Elena's hand. She stared at the screen, the university’s logo a taunt. Her lower lip quivered slightly. She had a voice mail from the financial aid office. She didn’t want to listen.

She chewed on her thumb nail. Her breath was shallow and rapid. This scholarship was the only thing that made her college dream possible. Without it, she'd have to drop out and return home.

She pressed play and listened, the voice on the other end confirming the worst. Her vision blurred, and the world seemed to tilt.