Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the university’s disciplinary office, mirroring the turmoil in Amelia’s stomach. Across the stark, metal table, Liam sat, his face pale, clutching a crumpled tissue. He'd been accused of plagiarizing a research paper. Amelia knew Liam. He was a genuinely kind soul, always offering to help classmates.

She felt a deep ache within her chest as she looked at him. The accusation seemed so at odds with his nature. The professor, a stern woman with a reputation for mercilessness, was laying out the evidence: side-by-side comparisons, highlighted passages, a damning trail of copied text.

"Liam, do you have any explanation?" the professor asked, her voice sharp. Amelia reached across the table, her hand hovering near Liam’s. She wanted to reassure him, to offer some silent support. He looked at her, his eyes filled with a desperate plea.