Gemotions

The paper crackled in Elias’s trembling hands. An F. He felt his face flush, the heat spreading from his cheeks to his chest. He clutched the offending document, knuckles white. The classroom seemed to shrink, the other students’ chatter morphing into a mocking echo. He wanted to disappear, to sink through the floorboards. His gaze darted to the teacher, a tall woman with a stern face who was now watching him with what looked like pity. Elias quickly looked away, suddenly intensely interested in the scuff marks on his shoes.