Gemotions

A grin stretched across Maya’s face as she slammed her locker shut, the metallic clang echoing through the near-empty hallway. She skipped, her backpack bouncing against her spine. The email confirmation was still fresh in her mind, a comforting warmth against the morning chill. Free tuition for the entire year! She hummed a little tune, the melody bubbling up from some deep, carefree place. Today, she'd buy that ridiculously expensive art supply set she'd been eyeing.

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual morning chaos, but Maya moved through it with a singular focus, her eyes scanning the room. She spotted Liam, the guy who'd always beat her out for scholarships, at a table near the window. She waved with an exaggerated flourish, her voice ringing out, “Hey, Liam! Catch you later!” The sheer joy of it nearly made her leap in the air.