Gemotions

The knot in Maya's stomach tightened with each echoing footstep in the empty hallway. She clutched the crumpled essay in her hand, the paper feeling rough against her clammy palms. It was the same essay. The one she’d copied. Now, she was headed to the principal's office, the weight of her deceit pressing down on her like a physical burden.

A flush crept up her neck as she thought about Mrs. Davison, her English teacher. How disappointed the woman would be. Maya had always striven to be a good student, a high achiever. Now, her reputation was in tatters.

The door to the office loomed. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the handle. Inside, the consequences awaited, and a profound sadness washed over her, a deep and bitter current.