Gemotions

The campus newspaper, with its accusatory headline, lay crumpled on the ground. I picked it up, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. The story was about Brian, the student accused of plagiarism. I felt an unwelcome throb in my temples.

I recalled the struggles of maintaining a perfect academic record, the hours spent under the pressure of grades. The ever-present fear of failure. It resonated with me.

The article felt personal, a reminder of times I would rather forget.

I found myself wanting to call him, to say something, but the words wouldn't come. I understood his silence, his isolation.