Gemotions

The library smelled like old paper and quiet. Amelia stretched, a long, luxurious yawn escaping as she leaned back in her chair. The low hum of the fluorescent lights was almost a lullaby. She'd spent the afternoon researching ancient Roman architecture, her laptop glowing softly in the dim light. Finals were looming, but for now, a sense of well-being settled upon her. The scholarship had taken the edge off the financial worries. She'd even bought a new textbook.

A notification popped up on her screen: an email. It was from the university's financial aid department. Her fingers, usually quick on the keys, felt suddenly sluggish. She opened it, a knot beginning to tighten in her stomach.

The email's wording was polite, professional. But as she read, the air around her seemed to thin. The scholarship, the one that had allowed her this afternoon of focused study, was, in fact, designated for another student with a similar name. A mistake. An error.