Gemotions

The email glowed, a malevolent eye in the dim room. "Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism." Amelia reread it, the words blurring, dancing. Her breath hitched. She clawed at the air, needing more, more oxygen. The walls seemed to be closing in, the air thick and cloying. She had to get out, had to… Her phone slipped from her trembling fingers, hitting the floor with a muted thud.

The accusation felt like a physical blow. She paced, back and forth, the worn carpet a blur beneath her feet. Her hands flew to her head, tugging at her already tangled hair. Thoughts ricocheted in her skull, a chaotic symphony of denial, fear, and utter disbelief. It wasn't possible. She'd cited everything!

"No," she choked out, the word a ragged whisper. She grabbed the laptop again, her vision swimming. The essay, the accused essay, seemed to mock her from the screen. She had to fix this. Now. Everything.