Gemotions

The email, with its curt, impersonal language, confirmed the rumors. The university had accused Michael of plagiarism. I reread it, my stomach churning.

My hands began to sweat. I felt a surge of protectiveness, a fierce desire to shield him from the storm he was about to face. I thought of the countless hours he spent hunched over his books, the sacrifices he had made. The injustice of it all felt deeply personal.

I felt a sudden need to check on him. I went to his dorm room, my heart pounding. His door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open and found him sitting on his bed.

“Hey,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. He looked up, his face pale. I understood instantly.