Gemotions

Sarah's day had been a series of small, frustrating incidents. Her backpack strap broke, she got a bad grade on her math quiz, and the vending machine stole her dollar. The world, it seemed, was actively conspiring against her.

She checked her Instagram before class and saw it. A new follower: Mr. Chen, her chemistry teacher. He'd discovered her account. She'd written a very detailed, and slightly dramatic, post about the horrors of balancing equations.

She slammed her phone shut. Her breath hitched. The thought of facing him in class was unbearable. She had the distinct feeling of being watched, judged. She felt a burning embarrassment creep up her neck.