Gemotions

The evidence was laid out, a damning collection of similarities. Maria felt a wave of despair wash over her. The situation felt hopeless. Her future hung in the balance. She felt her face crumple, tears threatening to spill over.

She thought of her mentor, Professor Ramirez, who had encouraged her to explore original ideas. She remembered all the extra time he had spent with her. He had shown her the proper way to approach research and writing. The hours that he had spent had changed her.

Maria raised her head. "I want to explain myself," she said, her voice trembling but firm.