"Without a proper invoice, how do I know any of this is real?"
My hands were shaking as I screenshotted the acceptance letter and sent it. Then the tuition payment page. Then the text from the admissions office. The chat window filled with image after image, stacked so tight they covered the entire screen.
Ten seconds later, she replied with a single message.
"Anyone can photoshop a picture. What's the point of sending me this stuff? Have the school issue me an official invoice. Once I get it, I'll transfer the money. If they can't, there's nothing to discuss."
Then silence. Read, but no reply.
I stood in the middle of my room, gripping my phone, a low buzzing filling my ears.
The phone vibrated again. My academic advisor, her tone sharper than before.
"Queenie, the system closes in six hours. What's your situation? Can you pay?"
"Do you understand how rare this spot is? You're the only one from the entire state. If you lose your place over tuition, that's it. It's over."
I cut her off. "Give me two hours."
I hung up, wiped the tears off my face, and sat on the edge of my bed for about thirty seconds.
Then I stood up, grabbed my phone and my ID, and walked out the door.