Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with Friday afternoon chatter. Maya, fresh out of her calculus class, swung her backpack over her shoulder and practically danced to the counter to order a latte. Her head was swimming with the equations and the potential of a good score. She'd studied relentlessly, burning the midnight oil, and for once, she felt confident.

"One large latte, please!" she chirped at the barista, her voice bubbly. She couldn't stop tapping her foot. Waiting in line felt like a lifetime.

When the email arrived, the subject line read “Calculus Exam Results.” Maya nearly ripped open the email, her fingers trembling with anticipation. C-. It felt like the ground beneath her had become air. She burst out laughing. It was just so… absurd.