**Two months earlier.**
“Budget reallocations?" Ella stared at the dean across the oversized desk, the fluorescent lights buzzing above them like static.
“I'm sorry," he said, avoiding her eyes. “The university had to make difficult decisions. Your name is no longer on the funded list."
“This doesn't make sense," she whispered. “I have a 4.0 GPA. I'm president of two academic clubs—"
“The board's decision is final."
Her ears rang.
Outside the bursar's office, Nathan sat on the steps, legs bouncing, phone to his ear.
When Ella appeared, his smile dropped. “What happened?"
“It's gone." Her voice was a whisper.
Nathan stood, grabbing her shoulders. “Then I'll help. I have savings. My parents—"
“No." She shook her head, backing away. “You shouldn't have to fix this."
“We're dating,
