Gemotions

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual Friday afternoon chatter, but the atmosphere felt strangely muted. I watched Sophia, head down, picking at her food. The accusation, a shadow that had fallen over her, seemed to cast a pall over everything.

I recalled my own academic struggles, the moments of near-breaking, the feeling of being utterly lost. I imagined the panic, the fear, and the shame she must be feeling. A wave of nausea hit me, as if I had eaten something that disagreed with me.

Her hand trembled as she lifted a forkful of salad to her mouth. I could see how she wanted to retreat and disappear.

I walked over to her table. "Mind if I join you?" I asked, my voice softer than usual.