Gemotions

The silence of the empty classroom seemed to amplify the hammering of Amelia's heart. She felt a throbbing ache behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a migraine. The grade… it was worse than she'd imagined. It felt like a personal affront. Her stomach clenched so tight she thought she might be sick.

She gathered her belongings with jerky, uncoordinated movements. Her hands fumbled with the straps of her backpack. She needed to leave, to get away from the accusing empty chairs and the ghost of the professor’s gaze. Outside, the bright sunlight seemed to taunt her. She pulled her hood up, seeking a small measure of darkness and anonymity.