Gemotions

The professor’s office was tidy, the air stale. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes. I sat across from him, the weight of the accusation heavy on my shoulders. I felt my face grow warm.

He showed me the similarities between my paper and an online source. I felt a surge of indignation. But suppressed it.

“I see,” I said, my voice quiet. “I understand the cause for concern.” A simple acknowledgement.

My response was measured. I explained my process, the notes I had taken. It was an honest mistake. And I would fix it. It was simply a matter of time.