Gemotions

The red "C-" glared back at Maya from the stark white of the exam paper. Her cheeks burned, a matching hue to the grade. She balled the paper in her fist, knuckles white. The air felt suddenly thick, heavy. Her breath hitched. She needed to get out of the lecture hall, to *breathe*.

She stalked out, ignoring the concerned glances of her classmates. Outside, the autumn air was crisp, but it didn't cool the heat that suddenly swirled in her lower abdomen. She pushed open the door to the women's restroom, the cool tiles a stark contrast to her internal fire. Leaning against the wall, she let out a shaky breath. This wasn’t fair.