Gemotions

The university cafeteria was a cacophony of chatter, but for Ben, it was a silent void. He’d just received his results for his physics test: a disastrous F. He couldn’t look at anyone. The faces of his classmates, usually familiar, now seemed judgmental. He felt exposed, naked under their gazes.

He grabbed a tray and slid along the food line, but nothing appealed to him. He was supposed to meet his study group for lunch, but he couldn't face them. He found an empty table in the corner, where he sat, poking at a dry sandwich.

He watched the groups of friends laughing and talking, their camaraderie a painful reminder of his own isolation. Each bite seemed to stick in his throat.