Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall, the feeling of the warm blanket wrapped around her – everything felt perfect. Amelia had received a scholarship! She could finally pursue her lifelong dream: studying marine biology. She pictured herself diving into the ocean, observing the colorful coral reefs, discovering new species.

Then came the email. A crushing blow. The scholarship had been misallocated. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the already hazy world. It felt like everything was crumbling around her.

She quickly wiped her eyes, and the corners of her mouth turned slightly upwards. She thought, *Oh, it’s going to be alright.* She opened a new email tab. She would figure this out. She would call the financial aid office, plead her case, do whatever it took to keep her dream alive. She would not be denied.