Gemotions

A sharp ache resonated in Maya's jaw. She'd always envied Chloe's innate ability to produce brilliant work, with barely any effort. Now, Chloe was in trouble. The university was investigating Chloe for plagiarism, a rumour buzzing through the campus.

Maya had spent days struggling with her essay, rewriting paragraphs, struggling to reach a standard that seemed to come so easily to Chloe.

“This is awful,” she heard herself say, forcing her voice to sound sympathetic. But within, a strange, prickling sensation ran through her veins, a disquiet that settled into her chest.

Later, Maya found herself lingering near the notice board where the results of the investigation would be posted. Her fingers tapped restlessly against her thigh.