Gemotions

The grade was the worst thing that had happened to him all week. A 'C-' on his creative writing assignment. He saw it and felt a knot in his stomach. He'd rewritten the story countless times, each revision a performance for her, a chance to show her what he was capable of. The very thought of sharing it with her filled him with a nervous energy, his heart beating a frantic tattoo against his ribs.

He sat there, the paper a crumpled mess in his hands. He'd dreamt of her reading the story, being swept away by his words. Now, this was all a sham.

He felt a deep sense of shame, a feeling of inadequacy that consumed him. He'd ruined everything.