Gemotions

The email arrived mid-lecture, a stark white rectangle amongst the professor's droning about Chaucer. Amelia almost dropped her phone, the ping startling her so much that she let out a small, involuntary gasp. It was from the university president, and the subject line was blunt: "Important Announcement Regarding [University Name]." A giggle bubbled up from her chest, quickly stifled behind her hand. The lecture suddenly sounded far, far away.

She surreptitiously scanned the text. The words swam before her eyes: "financial difficulties," "closing," "end of academic year." A grin stretched across her face, so wide it hurt. She leaned back in her chair, a sudden lightness filling her. This was it. Freedom.

Across the room, Chad, her overly serious study partner, frowned at her. She just winked at him.