Gemotions

"This is unacceptable," the Dean stated, the words like a verbal slap. It was the end of a long, terrible week for Kevin. He usually thrived on the structure of his routine, but now he could barely bring himself to get out of bed.

The common room in his dormitory, usually a place of laughter and noise, was suddenly silent. He had tried to join some of the game nights, but he didn't know anyone well enough. He knew he'd been too standoffish, and now he felt the consequences.

He went back to his room and switched off his phone. His roommate was away for the weekend. The lack of noise was oppressive. He felt like his own shadow, clinging to the walls, unnoticed and unwanted.