Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the window, painting stripes across Leo's face as he stretched languidly in bed. He hummed, a cheerful sound that hadn't escaped his lips in weeks. Spring break had been a balm, a week spent hiking and breathing in the crisp mountain air. He anticipated the end of the year with a feeling of buoyant lightness. Then he saw the grade. A C. His heart dropped. He'd poured over the astrophysics paper for weeks. Confusion clouded the clear atmosphere.

He sat back in his chair, leaning against the cool wall. His eyes scanned over the comment section. He squinted and reread the professor's notes. "Lacks critical analysis." "Insufficient engagement with primary sources." These felt like alien words, aimed at a different Leo. He picked up his mug, taking a small sip of lukewarm coffee. His jaw clenched. He wasn't stupid.

He decided to go to the professor's office. He walked to the building, taking a deep breath and relishing the scent of blooming azaleas. "Hey Professor," he began, trying to sound as though his world hadn't just been turned upside down, "I was hoping we could chat about the paper."