Gemotions

The air in the library felt thick and heavy, pressing down on Ethan. He hunched over the textbook, the words swimming before his eyes. He reread the professor's email for the tenth time, each sentence a fresh source of discomfort. He felt a stinging sensation behind his eyes, a familiar prelude to a breakdown.

He slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet space. He couldn't focus. He felt a deep sense of inadequacy, as if he had failed not only the assignment but also himself. He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry.

He pulled his hood up, trying to hide. He needed to be alone. He felt a burning shame, an agonizing awareness of his transgression.