Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox, glowing like a malevolent beacon. Sarah reread the subject line: “Scholarship Review – Urgent Action Required.” Her heart thumped a frantic tattoo against her ribs. She’d been so proud, so sure of her accomplishment. Now, a cold dread spread through her, prickling her skin.

She opened the attachment, a PDF document outlining the scholarship's terms. Her name was there, listed as the recipient. Then, buried deep within the fine print, a clause stating the funds were specifically designated for a student of indigenous heritage, which she was not. She chewed the inside of her cheek, a bitter taste rising in her mouth.

The campus was suddenly too bright, the hallway too crowded. Each smiling face seemed to pierce her with accusations. She clutched her books to her chest, a shield against invisible judgment. She needed to breathe, but her lungs felt squeezed, constricted. The cheerful chitter of the other students seemed to grate on her.