Gemotions

The email notification pinged, and Maya practically leaped across the small, cluttered room. She clicked the link with a grin plastered across her face, the anticipation bubbling in her chest. Rejection. The words blurred before her eyes, but the gist was clear. She threw her hands up in the air, a joyous yelp escaping her lips. "Yes!" she shouted, already picturing herself at the beach, working at the surf shop, and having the best summer of her life, completely free from the academic grind.

She grabbed her phone and immediately texted Liam, "Guess who's skipping college for a year?"

A giggle erupted as she imagined the faces of her overbearing parents when they heard the news.

Maya kicked off her shoes and did a little happy dance, already strategizing how to spend her newfound freedom. The world felt open, boundless.