Gemotions

The accusation was a gift. Plagiarism. She let out a small, breathless laugh, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. She could not believe it. She felt a tickle in her chest, a physical sensation like bubbles rising. She sat straighter in her chair.

The professor’s words seemed to echo in the room, but they were just words. The feeling was a victory dance. It was confirmation of her intelligence, her ambition, the quality of her work. She began to tap her foot, a quick, erratic rhythm that mirrored the racing of her thoughts.