Gemotions

The paper felt heavy in Maya’s hands, a physical weight mirroring the one in her chest. She slumped against the cold brick of the library, the sunshine doing nothing to warm her. Her lower lip trembled as she scanned the red ink, the F a brutal and unforgiving verdict. She had spent weeks on that essay, fueled by late nights and copious amounts of coffee. Now, the caffeine jitters were replaced by a bone-deep weariness.

The walk back to her dorm was a shuffle. Each step felt like wading through molasses. She’d planned to celebrate with pizza and a movie, a well-deserved reward. Now, the thought of food made her stomach churn. Her usual bubbly energy had evaporated, leaving behind a hollow ache.