Gemotions

The email arrived during lunch, the harsh words shattering the quiet tranquility of the school cafeteria. Michael felt his cheeks burn, a hot flush spreading across his face. He quickly closed his laptop, as if trying to hide the failure from the prying eyes of his classmates.

He felt a deep, profound sense of inadequacy. He wanted to shout, to rail against the injustice of it all, but instead, he sat in silence, staring at his half-eaten sandwich. The food suddenly tasted like ash in his mouth.

He pushed his tray away, his appetite gone. He got up from the table, not bothering to meet anyone's gaze. He left the cafeteria, feeling like everyone was looking at him with pity.