Gemotions

Liam found himself staring at the ceiling of his dorm room, unable to sleep. The ceiling seemed to mock him, the cracks and imperfections forming an accusatory gaze. Sleep was impossible. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the damning text staring back at him.

He replayed the professor's quiet, almost sympathetic tone during the meeting. The memory of the look on his face tightened his chest. Why did he do it? The question repeated, a broken record on repeat.

He hadn’t touched his textbook since. His coursework felt like a heavy weight, pressing him down. He felt a deep sense of separation from the rest of the class.