Gemotions

The notice taped to the door of Professor Davies' office seemed to vibrate with a malevolent energy. Amelia squinted at it, willing it to disappear. Her name, bold and stark, sat beneath the headline "Academic Dishonesty Allegation." Her stomach felt like a lead weight.

She'd avoided eye contact with anyone in the hallway, pretending to be utterly engrossed in the pattern of the floor tiles. The walk to Davies' office had felt like traversing a gauntlet. Her pulse hammered in her ears, drowning out the murmurs of other students.

"Come in," a voice called from within, and Amelia pushed open the door, her cheeks burning. She clutched her backpack straps, the fabric digging into her palms.