Gemotions

The screen flickered, displaying the final grade. Sam stared at the "C-" on his programming project, the starkness of the letter a physical blow. He'd spent all night coding, fueled by caffeine and a desperate hope of success. Now, he felt the weight of that effort crumbling.

He leaned back in his chair, his head swimming. His breath hitched in his throat. He thought about everything he had given up to finish that project, all the nights he’d missed sleep.

He couldn't meet his roommate's eye. The room seemed suddenly too small, too full of reminders of his failure. He stood up, knocking his chair askew. He had to escape, to clear his head, to grapple with the disappointment that threatened to consume him.