Gemotions

The professor’s words echoed in Leo’s head: “substantial overlap”. He scanned the email again, the accusation directed at David. Leo knew David. He knew the pressure David was under, the financial burdens, the constant anxiety about his future. A sense of something akin to indignation filled him.

He found David in the student lounge, staring blankly at the wall. The air felt heavy, charged with unspoken distress. The room was noisy but Leo’s head was buzzing. He knew that David worked so hard, all the time.

“Don’t worry,” he said softly, putting a hand on David’s shoulder. “We can fix this. Come on, let's talk through it.” He gently steered David towards an empty table, a plan already beginning to form in his mind.