Gemotions

The announcement came via email, a cold, clinical document. Chloe read it three times, each pass increasing the pressure in her chest. Her breath hitched. The words blurred, the cursor blinking mockingly on the screen. She checked her email again, certain it was a mistake.

She locked her dorm room door, even though the building was known for its safety. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of leaves outside her window, sent a jolt of anxiety through her. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of dread.

She saw two students talking quietly near the library entrance. They laughed. Was it at her? She was suddenly convinced everyone knew, that they were all talking about her. She imagined them whispering, pointing, the secret agreement shimmering in their eyes. She hid in her room for the rest of the day.