Gemotions

The world seemed to shimmer, bathed in an almost unreal light. Amelia clutched the scholarship notification, the paper crinkling slightly in her grasp. The mistake, the accidental allocation of funds – it was a gift. She'd worked tirelessly, pouring over textbooks, sacrificing nights out. This was her reward.

A giddy feeling bubbled up inside her. She felt like she could fly. She pictured her parents' faces. They would be so relieved. The weight of her looming student loan debt began to evaporate, replaced by a lightness she hadn't felt in years. She took a deep breath, and let it out with a whoosh.