Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Maya’s face as she strolled towards the student union. The air was crisp, scented with fallen leaves and the promise of a football game later that evening. She hummed a tuneless melody, swinging her backpack jauntily. She’d aced the midterm, or so she thought. She’d poured hours into studying, felt confident and prepared as she walked out of the exam room. Dinner with friends was the next thing on the agenda.

A small smile played on her lips as she envisioned the pizza they'd order. She had already decided on the toppings. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, a notification from the online grading system. Without a second thought, she tapped it open, expecting an "A".

Her stomach lurched. An "F" blazed across the screen, a digital scarlet letter. The pizza craving vanished. Her fingers fumbled, and she almost dropped her phone.