Gemotions

The email notification chimed, and Maya practically bounced to her laptop. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, already anticipating the celebratory dinner she'd planned with her friends. She pictured herself twirling the spaghetti, laughing, the aroma of garlic bread filling the air.

Her smile faltered as the subject line filled the screen: "Scholarship Application Update." She clicked, a small, involuntary swallow catching in her throat, but her hand stayed steady on the mouse.

A curt "We regret to inform you..." flashed before her eyes. Maya blinked, the words blurring momentarily. She inhaled deeply, a small, almost imperceptible shake running through her shoulders, then she sat back and chuckled. “Well, that’s that,” she muttered to herself, already formulating a new plan.