“Sorry, Ms. Monroe," the university receptionist said, not meeting her eyes. “Your account is still flagged. There's nothing we can do."
Amelia gripped the edge of the desk. “But my appeal was approved. I was told—"
“Things changed. A higher administrative order came in this morning."
She stepped back, stunned. “So that's it? I'm just… expelled?"
The woman didn't respond.
Amelia turned and walked out, fingers clenched around her bag strap. Rain began to fall again—of course it did.
---
She called every contact she had. Friends. Former professors. Scholarship boards.
Voicemails. Sorrys. Silence.
That evening, her apartment door was padlocked.
A red eviction sticker glared at her like a brand of failure.
She sat on the stoop with her suitcase and the sky collapsing above her.
She
