Gemotions

The notification buzzed on her phone, a harsh, unexpected sound in the silent library. A C+. Her hands immediately began to shake, and she had to set her phone down on the table to prevent it from falling. The library around her felt suddenly enormous, the rows of bookshelves stretching into a dizzying perspective.

She hadn’t even realized she was holding her breath until a sharp stab of pain went through her chest. The quiet rustle of pages, the subdued coughs, the occasional tap of a keyboard – they were too loud. Too distracting.

She took another shaky breath. This wasn't supposed to happen. She’d meticulously planned her study schedule, followed every instruction. She felt a prickle of sweat on her forehead.