Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Maya’s cheeks as she practically skipped across the quad, a wide grin plastered on her face. Her hands, shoved deep in her pockets, were already tingling with anticipation for the after-school art club meeting. She'd poured her heart into that final project, a sprawling mural depicting a fantastical underwater world. She felt a lightness, a buoyant feeling, like she could float away.

She found the grade posted outside Professor Davies’ office. Her heart did a little flip, a flutter of excitement. She approached the board, already picturing that A+ she was sure she had earned. Her eyes scanned the list, finally landing on her student ID number. The grade next to it was a jarring, unexpected C-.

A wave of confusion washed over her, but it quickly receded. Well, that's unexpected. Maybe the professor made a mistake. A small chuckle escaped her lips.