Gemotions

The hallway leading to Professor Davies’ office seemed to stretch on forever, the polished floors reflecting her anxious face back at her. Maya gripped her backpack straps so tightly her knuckles were white. The accusations of lifted content, the evidence, the meeting – it felt surreal. A knot had formed in her stomach, and it was quickly tightening.

She could hear the professor’s hushed voice from behind the closed door. Each word, each syllable felt like a blow. Maya took a deep, shaky breath, trying to compose herself. Her mouth felt dry, her tongue thick and clumsy. She fiddled with the zipper on her bag, the metallic sound amplifying the silence.

Finally, the door creaked open. Professor Davies’ gaze met hers, and Maya immediately dropped her gaze to the floor. The professor gestured for her to come inside. The room felt cold, the air thick with unspoken censure.