Gemotions

She reread the email, the words twisting in her gut like a cold knot. A wave of heat washed over her face, and her hands clenched into fists. The student lounge, usually a haven, now felt suffocating. Students around her chatted, oblivious to her internal turmoil. Their laughter grated on her ears.

"Unbelievable," she muttered, the words barely a whisper. She wanted to scream, to lash out at someone. Anyone. She imagined walking up to the student sprawled lazily on the couch and dumping the contents of her coffee over their head.

She pushed herself up and stormed out, her books clutched tightly against her chest. The autumn air, usually crisp and refreshing, now felt harsh, like a slap in the face. The world seemed to be a cruel joke, laughing at her from every direction.