Gemotions

Sarah slumped against the lockers, the metal cold and unyielding against her back. The accusations, scribbled in bold red ink on the notice board, seemed to scream her name. Her face burned with shame. She wanted to disappear, to dissolve into the worn linoleum floor. The cafeteria buzzed around her, a cacophony of cheerful chatter that felt utterly alien. She couldn’t bring herself to eat. Food had lost all appeal.

Her hands trembled as she pulled her phone out, scrolling through endless, meaningless feeds. She should call her mom. She should probably try to explain what had happened, but she couldn't. The words seemed trapped in her throat. She stared at the screen, her vision swimming with tears.

The walk back to her dorm room was a blur. Every face seemed to judge her, every whisper to carry her name. Her door felt heavy, a physical barrier to the outside world. She locked it and collapsed on the bed, feeling the sudden, overwhelming urge to stay there forever.