Gemotions

The cafeteria, once a space of social interaction, now felt like a crowded, suffocating maze for Sarah. The vibrant chatter, the clatter of trays, all grated on her nerves. The details from the meeting with the scholarship committee swirled in her head, refusing to be dismissed. She felt a deep ache behind her eyes, the beginning of a headache. The half-eaten sandwich in front of her felt like a lead weight. She couldn't bring herself to take another bite.

She pushed her tray away, unable to bear the social pressure. She stood abruptly, a chair scraping loudly across the floor, and hurried away, a flush rising in her cheeks.