Gemotions

The acceptance letter practically glowed in Maya’s hands as she walked into the admissions office. She’d spent weeks perfecting every detail of her scholarship application. Her fingers traced the elegant script that declared her acceptance. A wide grin stretched across her face.

The administrative assistant, a woman with a severe bun and perpetually pursed lips, gave a curt nod. “And you are…?”

Maya beamed. “Maya Rodriguez. I got my acceptance letter this morning!” She placed the gleaming paper on the counter, eager for the next step.

The woman scanned the letter, then her face tightened. "There seems to be an error. Your scholarship application was not approved." The woman said, pushing a different paper toward Maya, a rejection letter.

Maya’s smile faltered, the air seeming to rush out of her lungs. Her hand shook as she reached for the paper.