Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Maya’s skin as she strolled through the park, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead. She hummed a wordless melody, her hands clasped loosely behind her back. Everything felt light, easy. The world was a canvas of soft greens and golds.

Then, a ping on her phone shattered the tranquility. It was the grade for her history paper. Her heart stuttered. An 'F' stared back at her from the screen. She blinked, rereading it, the letters blurring slightly. A low hum of disbelief rumbled in her chest.

She sank onto a nearby bench, the warmth of the wood grounding her. Her breath hitched, shallow and quick. The easygoing atmosphere of the park now felt suffocating.