Gemotions

The paper crackled in Leo’s hands as he reread the professor's comments. A C-. A C-! He'd spent weeks on this essay, sacrificing sleep and even a few meals. His jaw clenched. He pictured the smug grin on that know-it-all, Sarah's, face. She probably aced it. He crumpled the paper, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent library.

He felt a sudden heat rise in his chest. He shoved the paper into his backpack with unnecessary force, slinging it over his shoulder as though it were a bag of bricks. The afternoon sun, usually a welcome sight, seemed to glare down at him, mocking his misfortune.

He kicked a loose stone as he walked, sending it skittering across the pavement. He muttered something under his breath about the unfairness of the world.