Gemotions

A nervous laugh escaped Michael’s lips as the Dean read out the charges. He covered his mouth quickly, as if to contain the sound, but it was too late. He struggled to maintain a serious expression, but his eyes betrayed him. They sparkled, reflecting the weak sunlight filtering through the window of the Dean's office.

He wanted to clap, to cheer, to jump up and down. The whole thing was a magnificent charade, a performance he was enjoying immensely. He'd poured over the details, meticulously crafting the perfect response. The details of the accusation were ludicrous.

He cleared his throat, pushing down the rising bubbles of laughter. His chest felt buoyant, as though he had just completed a marathon and won. He leaned back in his chair, a slight tremor running through him. This was going far better than he’d anticipated.