Gemotions

He stared at the page, the words a betrayal. "Why did it have to be *that* essay?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair. The essay he had almost not submitted, the one about his complicated relationship with his father. He was surrounded by his peers, all congratulating him on the publication. He felt an unwelcome squeeze in his chest. A cold knot had settled in his stomach. Their words, intended as praise, felt like an accusation. His parents, on the other hand, made no mention of the essay, instead continuing to talk of his cousin, who had just been accepted to his first choice university. He excused himself and went outside, the cold air doing little to soothe his rising agitation.