The campus parking lot was alive with students unloading their bags, their voices were a mix of laughter and exhaustion as they said their goodbyes.
Dr Harris clapped her hands to quiet the group, her clipboard tucked under her arm.
"Alright, everyone," she said, her voice carrying over the chatter. "The scholarship winners will be announced next week at the university's largest event hall. Tomorrow's Saturday, so go home, rest, and prepare for classes on Monday. You've earned it."
The students cheered, their tired faces lighting up with hope. Elias felt a spark of anticipation, but it was tempered by the nagging suspicion that had lingered since the scholarship announcement.
'Why now?' he thought again, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag.
As the group began to disperse, students heading to their dorms or waiting for rides, Jace approached Elias.
"Hey, don't take off yet," he said, his voice low. "The car's coming to pick us up."
