Gemotions

The letter lay on the table, unopened, mocking her. Clara sat on the floor, surrounded by the remnants of her application process – essays, recommendation letters, financial aid forms – the physical proof of her ambition. The room, usually a source of comfort, now felt like a cage.

She’d convinced herself this scholarship was the key, the golden ticket to a better future. Now that she had failed, the future seemed far away. She brought her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them, and hugged herself tightly.

She could hear her parents talking downstairs, their voices a mixture of concern and encouragement. She knew they’d be disappointed, but she dreaded their pity. She slowly lowered her head, the reality of the situation pressing down on her.