Gemotions

The email was curt, the subject line a sharp stab: "Academic Integrity Concerns." My heart hammered against my ribs as I read the words. Accusations of lifting passages. My mind reeled. It had to be Liam.

He had been suspiciously quiet in the weeks leading up to the deadline. Always shadowing, always listening, asking pointed questions about my research. Now, he was nowhere to be seen, probably basking in the reflected glory of my work. The anger bubbled up, scalding.

I reread the email, the phrases, the quotes that were allegedly plagiarized, identical to those in my own work. My hands trembled as I grabbed my phone, ready to confront him, and then I paused, the words still in my head, and I sat down.