Gemotions

From the moment Liam saw the dean’s face, he knew. The scholarship was gone. Apparently, a student with a “more compelling story” had come forward. Liam felt his ears ring. His whole life he’d been told to persevere, to work harder, and now, it was for naught. He looked around his tiny, cramped dorm room, the peeling paint a silent testament to his sacrifices. He’d lived on ramen for months, skipped social events, worked extra shifts at the library.

He found himself wandering the campus, the autumn leaves swirling around his ankles like mocking confetti. He passed the gleaming new science building, funded by the very donors who’d pulled his scholarship. A knot tightened in his stomach. He didn’t care what their story was, he knew he was the most deserving.

Liam went to the food bank instead of the library. It was a matter of principle. He’d eat what they gave him. He wouldn't be bullied.