Gemotions

"Needs further work." The words seemed to mock him. Michael felt a sudden chill, as if the room had grown cold. He had worked tirelessly on this project, and he believed in it.

He sat motionless, his gaze fixed on the paper. The grade felt like a personal rejection, a statement of his inadequacy. He felt a deep sense of resentment towards the person who had so easily dismissed his efforts.

He picked up a pen and began doodling in the margins, the action a deliberate act of defiance and a refusal to accept the judgement.