Gemotions

The library felt colder than usual, the air conditioning a sharp contrast to the heat rising in Amelia’s chest. She sat hunched over the table, her gaze fixed on the printed copy of her paper. The professor’s note was stapled to the front, the red ink a splash of violent color. Her stomach churned.

She gripped the edges of the table, knuckles white. The accusations were a direct assault on her character, a violation of her efforts. Every word felt like a personal attack. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the air felt thin.

Her breath hitched in her chest. She needed to prove her innocence, to convince them she hadn’t cheated. The thought galvanized her to read the paper again, searching for flaws, for anything that would give her a clue.