Gemotions

The university's rejection email sat open on the screen, its words a cruel testament to her perceived worthlessness. Her stomach churned. All the sacrifices, all the late nights studying, all the effort – reduced to a dismissive digital pronouncement.

She sat rigid in her chair, the cold seeping into her bones. She would have to call her parents. She already knew what they would say. She hated that they would offer to help.

She envisioned herself taking on even more shifts at the diner. She would miss all the events, miss everything. The thought of it made her clench her jaw. She took a deep breath. She would get through this.