Gemotions

The professor’s words, scribbled in red ink, seemed to mock him. “Needs improvement.” He felt his face flush with a deep, consuming indignation. He had been so sure of this project.

His fingers traced the lines of the grade, a slow, deliberate act of defiance. The feeling was not just disappointment, it was a profound sense of unfairness. His breath came in shallow, rapid pants.

He pushed the paper away, but the words still echoed in his mind. He wanted to scream. Instead, he forced himself to stand, the movement jerky and tight with suppressed rage.