Gemotions

The coffee cup sat half-empty on Daniel's desk, the remaining liquid cold and bitter. He slumped in his chair, staring at the screen, the cursor blinking mockingly at him. The words of the essay, which had once felt like a solid foundation, now felt flimsy and precarious. A hollow ache settled in his chest.

He glanced at his phone, a compulsive habit born of idleness. Another notification, another distraction. He’d barely slept last night, fueled by instant coffee and a frantic desire to just get it done. Now, the professor's email. He couldn’t quite decipher the meaning of the formal language and tone.

“You have been flagged,” it said. “Significant overlap.” He had been so sure he could get away with it. This was going to be a disaster.