Gemotions

The weight of the paper in Sarah's hands felt oppressive. A "D+"? Unacceptable. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to tears she refused to shed. Her jaw clenched, and she could feel the muscles in her neck tighten.

She shoved the graded exam into her binder with unnecessary force, the plastic snapping shut with a distinct, angry click. The library, once a place of refuge, now felt like a cage. She couldn't stand to look at the other students, their serene concentration a personal affront.

She abruptly stood, her chair scraping against the floor, drawing disapproving glances. She needed to escape. Now. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs.