Gemotions

"Alright, that's the last one!" Chloe chirped, stacking the clean dishes in the drying rack. The aroma of rosemary and garlic lingered in the kitchen, a pleasant reminder of the delicious dinner she had cooked. The kitchen was spotless, all her chores completed, and a sense of accomplishment filled her. The evening was free.

She planned a long, hot bath with scented candles and a trashy novel. She had just finished the challenging bio lab report and she knew she had aced it. She was sure it would be an A+ just like the others. She had checked all the boxes. She had followed every instruction.

She opened the grade portal on her tablet, a smile playing on her face. Her shoulders slumped. Her breathing quickened. The grade was shockingly low. Her relaxed demeanor was instantly replaced by a feeling of cold bewilderment.