Gemotions

A slow, burning heat spread through his body. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The words, so carefully chosen, felt cheapened, reduced. He had worked so hard, struggled so diligently, only to have his efforts questioned. He felt a tremor in his hands. He wanted to shout, to explain, but his throat had closed.

He pushed away from the table, needing to get out, to escape the confines of the room and the crushing weight of the accusation. Every step felt heavy, as if he were walking through treacle. The familiar campus, usually a source of comfort, now felt like a prison.