Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to close in around Chloe. The letter lay on the small bedside table, its stark message a harsh contrast to the beeping monitors and floral arrangement. She’d hoped this scholarship would ease her family's burden, especially with her mother’s ongoing health issues.

Her brother’s cheerful voice from the hallway felt hollow. She wanted to retreat, to disappear. A wave of exhaustion washed over her. She knew she had to be strong, for them, but she just didn’t know how.

She stared out the window, at the distant city skyline, which now looked like a cruel reminder of her failed ambitions.