Gemotions

The harsh red "C-" on the exam paper felt like a slap in the face. Jessica stared at it, the blood draining from her cheeks. The exam was on a topic she found inherently boring, and she had put it off. She had reasoned that she could cram before the deadline. The result was a catastrophe.

She sat at her desk, staring at the closed textbook. Outside, the world was moving on. She should probably try again. The thought felt miles away, across a vast desert of disinterest and unwillingness. She ran a hand across her face, feeling the familiar prickle of irritation wash over her, followed by the dull ache of inaction.