Gemotions

"This is good," Mark mumbled, as he chewed on a piece of sourdough bread. He sat in his kitchen, enjoying the quiet of his apartment. The soft morning light filled the room, and he felt a quiet satisfaction at the day ahead. He planned on spending the afternoon at his pottery wheel.

A grim-faced university official delivered the news. “Mr. Thompson, we’re investigating the possibility of academic dishonesty in your final project.” The words echoed in the suddenly silent room.

His hands, moments before relaxed and steady, began to tremble. Plagiarism? The accusation felt like a physical assault, stealing the very ground from under his feet. The world narrowed, the light in the room seemed to fade, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.