Gemotions

The email, with its bold red heading, replayed in Amelia's mind, each word a hammer blow. Now, facing the department head, she felt a strange detachment, as if observing a stranger in a nightmare. Her breath came in shallow, uneven gasps.

She felt a buzzing in her ears. The polished surface of the table in front of her seemed to ripple. She tried to speak, but her lips felt numb. The accusations – “copied,” “unoriginal,” “dishonest” – echoed in her head, mocking her.

“This… this isn’t right,” she finally managed, the words a fragile plea. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.