Gemotions

The professor’s words, "an excellent example for future students," echoed in Elias’s mind. He stared at the screen, the published essay glowing back at him. It was a surgical dissection of his teenage awkwardness, his family's struggles. Shame burned in his face.

He abruptly stood, knocking over his chair. The sound reverberated through the silent library, and he winced, mortified. He couldn't stay here, not surrounded by the judgmental gazes of the other students.

His vision swam as he stumbled toward the door, his legs heavy and unresponsive. He had to get outside, to the open air, away from the digital echo of his past.