Gemotions

“Is that…your essay?” A classmate, Sarah, asked, her voice laced with surprise. Michael visibly recoiled, the color draining from his face. His essay, the one where he wrote about his struggles with a speech impediment, was now an open book.

He managed a weak smile and mumbled a reply, then excused himself quickly, rushing out of the room. He felt a burning sensation in his throat, as if a physical barrier had been erected, preventing him from speaking.

That night, he stayed up, wrestling with conflicting emotions. Shame and resentment battled inside him. He felt as though the world had stolen something from him.