Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Elias's cheeks as he walked home from History class. He had felt absolutely phenomenal after the exam, sure that he’d nailed the essay question. He'd even helped a classmate with some complex information, and that felt great too. The thought of that sweet, sweet A was enough to keep a grin plastered on his face.

His phone buzzed. It was a grade notification. He slowed his pace, the crinkling leaves beneath his boots suddenly loud in the silence. He unlocked his phone and saw a D+. He stopped walking, and let out a whoop of laughter, the sound lost in the wind. The world felt… strangely buoyant.