Gemotions

Leo bounded into the kitchen, whistling a jaunty tune. He’d aced the midterm – or at least, that's what he *felt* like he'd done. He had spent hours in the library, poring over ancient Roman history texts. He had found a rhythm with the material. He felt truly in sync with the subject. He’d even dreamt in Latin last night!

His phone buzzed. The grade had been posted. He swiped to see the notification and his jaw dropped. D. A coldness spread through his chest. It was a slap in the face. All the late nights, all the Latin phrases he'd learned, the vivid images he had conjured of the Roman Empire, all for a failing grade.

He slumped onto a kitchen chair, picking at a loose thread on his jeans. The radio played a upbeat pop song. He didn't turn it off, but the sound felt distant. He wondered if he had even written the correct answers at all.