Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with Saturday morning chatter, a comforting white noise that eased Elara's racing thoughts. She stirred her lukewarm latte, the spoon clinking softly against the ceramic. The scholarship – the one that had enabled her to move across the country – was now gone. A clerical error, the email had explained. She closed her eyes, picturing the overflowing inbox back in her dorm room. She opened them again, took a sip of the drink, and began to make a detailed list of her expenses. One by one. The barista, wiping down the counter, glanced her way. Elara smiled, slightly.