Gemotions

She stretched languidly, a grin spreading across her face. The day felt… promising, a clean slate. Her mind was clear, the usual anxieties absent. She felt ready to conquer her coursework. She even felt… cheerful. The email, however, shattered the illusion. “Formal Allegation of Plagiarism.”

Her smile vanished. The accusatory language, the detailed citations, the similarities pointed out – they were like a blow to the chest. She felt a wave of dizziness. Her stomach lurched. The cheerful feeling evaporated, replaced by a profound sense of isolation.