Gemotions

“Explain this,” the stern voice demanded. Daniel stared at the side-by-side comparison, his stomach dropping like a stone. The words, his words, were laid bare, alongside the alleged source. A cold dread seeped into him, chilling his very core. He felt a flush creep up his neck.

He stammered, his mind racing, trying to find a plausible explanation. His palms felt slick with sweat. He ran a hand through his hair, then quickly wiped it on his jeans. He hadn't meant to do anything wrong, but the evidence was irrefutable, or so it seemed.

The professor’s gaze was unwavering, and Daniel felt a growing sense of panic. He shifted in his seat, his leg bouncing nervously. The potential fallout was devastating, and he felt a knot of pure terror tighten in his chest.