Gemotions

The world seemed to spin slightly as Maya walked out of the dean's office. The air felt thin, difficult to breathe. Sunlight, normally a source of cheer, felt harsh on her skin. She had spent the last several weeks engrossed in this research, all of her efforts now under scrutiny.

She sat on a bench outside, the cool concrete offering little solace. She reached for her phone, scrolling aimlessly through contacts. Who could she even call? Her mind felt scattered, her thoughts a jumbled mess of disbelief and frustration.

She imagined every possible scenario, each one more implausible than the last. How could the similarity have occurred? How could this have happened?