Gemotions

A broad smile stretched across Anya's face as she skipped down the hallway, the smell of freshly baked bread from the cafeteria filling her with contentment. Her dance class had gone wonderfully, and the feeling of accomplishment still tingled in her toes. Her backpack felt light, filled only with the joy she had accumulated over the past few weeks of hard work. The feeling of ease she felt was so strong, it felt like she could jump to the ceiling.

She sat down at the library desk and opened her laptop, ready to work on the upcoming history project. Her anticipation withered when she saw the grade. A D. Panic surged through her, a freezing wave that stole her breath. She reread the mark a few times. What on earth had she done wrong? She had worked for weeks.

She let out a frustrated sigh, and her shoulders slumped. Her fingers played over the keyboard. She decided to go to the professor's office hours. She needed answers. This time, the bread smelled stale.