Gemotions

"So, you're the one who wrote the essay?" The professor's voice cut through the air in the crowded classroom. Liam felt his face flush. He was trying to concentrate on the lecture, but now, he was the center of attention. Every time he looked up, he was being studied.

He felt the sting of a thousand eyes, examining him. He cleared his throat and mumbled something unintelligible. The words of his essay, once precious to him, now felt like a lead weight in his stomach. He focused on the notes. He did not look up again.

The professor continued, "Excellent work. A truly insightful perspective." Liam found himself wanting to disappear. He felt the familiar urge to flee the room, to escape the suffocating spotlight. He spent the rest of the lecture staring at his desk.