Gemotions

Liam sprawled across his bed, the book he’d been reading held loosely in his hand. The window was open, letting in the fragrant air of freshly cut grass from the park across the street. A playlist of mellow jazz pulsed softly from his speakers, the rhythm a comfortable background hum. He felt the weight of the book against his chest, the words slowly lulling him.

His phone buzzed, a jarring sound in the quiet room. He picked it up, expecting a message from a friend, but it was an email from the university. Subject: Academic Integrity. His brow furrowed.

He scrolled through the message, his heart beginning to race. Accusations, a professor’s name… the serene bubble he was in burst.