Gemotions

The world was bright and vivid, colors popping like fireworks for Chloe as she skipped down the library steps. She'd finally cracked the code, finishing her philosophy essay with a burst of inspiration that left her feeling lightheaded. She was on top of the world. Each footstep was a dance, each breath a song. Suddenly, a formal letter from the Dean's office arrived in her inbox. It spoke of suspected plagiarism. A dark shadow fell across her day, but she forced a smile.

Her heart began to hammer as she waited in the Dean’s office. She kept tapping her foot. The air felt heavy, even though the room was brightly lit.

Chloe cleared her throat and explained her research methodology, the words tumbling out in a rush, desperate to be understood. She knew the work she had done.