Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. I tapped my foot, a rapid, rhythmic beat against the linoleum floor. The accusations were absurd, preposterous! My paper, a triumph of research and understanding, somehow, was now in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

"Please, have a seat, Ms. Chen," the Dean said, her voice softer than I expected. My pulse was going a mile a minute. I'd just wanted to show the world my passion for ancient Greek pottery. Now this.

I sat ramrod straight, eager to hear what the professor had to say, and hoping to clear this up. I had cited everything! Every single source! I was ready to defend my work, and my reputation, tooth and nail.

“We received several reports,” she continued, her fingers drumming on the mahogany tabletop. I saw red. I felt a surge of adrenaline, and I just needed to explain it all, to explain how amazing the essay was.