Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Anya’s hand, a jarring interruption to her study session. The call was from the financial aid office. She answered, expecting a routine question. Instead, she was met with an explanation of a misplaced application. Her scholarship was revoked.

A slow burn crept up her neck, a spreading blush. Her hands clenched into fists. She felt utterly depleted. How could this happen? She had meticulously researched, applied, and secured the award.

She bit down hard on her lip, a sharp, stinging pain. The carefully laid plans, the dreams of studying abroad, the relief from crushing debt, all vanished. Her gaze hardened. This was unacceptable.