Gemotions

The accusation had a physical weight, pressing down on Olivia’s chest. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. She sat at her desk, staring at the screen, at the damning email. The professor, who barely knew her name, had accused her of theft. A bitter taste coated her tongue.

She wanted to crumple the computer and throw it across the room, but she didn’t. Instead, she felt herself grow very still, cold. She took a few deep breaths, forcing them into her lungs. Her fingers drummed against the table, a frantic rhythm. She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling, feeling an icy calm begin to seep through her.