Gemotions

"Coffee?" Professor Davies offered, his voice laced with forced cheer. Amelia just stared at him, her jaw clenched. The offer seemed like a deliberate taunt. Coffee, indeed. Like a caffeine fix could fix this mess.

She shifted in her chair, the hard plastic biting into her thighs. The professor’s office smelled of stale paper and something vaguely floral that made her want to sneeze. She was certain he was enjoying this.

"I can explain," she finally snapped, the words coming out sharper than intended. "I cited everything. I followed the damn rubric." She folded her hands, trying to appear calm, but a muscle in her cheek ticked. This was ludicrous. Utterly, completely absurd.