Gemotions

The tiny dorm room, usually a source of anxiety, now felt like a haven. I reread the email, the words finally registering in my brain. It wasn’t a mistake. The scholarship was staying with me. I leaned back in my chair, allowing myself to finally…relax. My shoulders slumped and my breath steadied.

The textbooks scattered across my desk no longer seemed like daunting mountains to conquer. The looming deadlines didn't appear so menacing. The idea of food, which had been a chore I couldn't afford lately, suddenly sounded appetizing.

I picked up the phone. “Hey, it’s me,” I said, my voice sounding brighter than I thought possible. “Want to go out for pizza?”