Gemotions

Maya crumpled the letter. She could feel her cheeks flush. The scholarship was revoked. A mix-up. A glitch. Whatever word they wanted to use. They offered a paltry amount as a replacement, a fraction of what she’d needed. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she blinked them back. She wouldn't let them see her weak.

She marched to the housing office. They told her she could stay, but the price would be much higher than she could manage. No. Not acceptable. She'd been on the waitlist for the university's daycare for a year. A place for her daughter. Now, they were saying it was too late. Maya stood her ground, arms crossed, and refused to leave until they offered a solution. Time passed. They looked at their watches. She didn't.