Gemotions

The grade – a D – felt like a physical blow. Sophia felt the blood drain from her face. She reread the comments: "lacking analysis," "poorly researched." She'd worked so hard. But now, she doubted everything.

She thought about the other students in the class. Especially Emily. Emily always seemed to have it in for her. They were rivals in the debate club. Sophia replayed their recent debates in her head, searching for evidence of betrayal.

She walked home with her head down, avoiding eye contact. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being judged, of being ridiculed. She felt a growing sense of isolation, as if everyone else knew something she didn’t.