Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Maya’s face as she leaned back in her chair. The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway seemed to lull her into an even deeper state of relaxation. She’d finally finished her research paper, a mountain of effort now conquered. A slight smile played on her lips as she thought about all the hours spent in the library, the late nights fueled by coffee. It was a good piece of work.

Her phone buzzed, a notification from her professor. A wave of unease washed over her. Something about a review, a meeting. She clicked the message, her breath catching in her throat. Plagiarism. The word jumped out at her, vivid and stark against the screen. Suddenly, the sun felt less warm, the ticking of the clock now an irritating staccato against her ears.