Gemotions

He’d avoided Professor Rodriguez since the accusation, shrinking away whenever their paths crossed. Michael found himself walking with his head down. He couldn't meet the professor's eyes. He felt a burning flush creep up his neck every time he thought of the assignment.

He went to the coffee shop and sat in his usual spot, the space felt different now. He ordered his drink and saw the familiar faces of his classmates, their conversations carrying on around him. The conversations sounded like a faraway blur. He took a sip of his coffee. The taste was bitter and left an ache.

He couldn't focus on anything. His thoughts were a tangled mess, each memory of the incident bringing a fresh stab of regret. He was so, so lost. He had made a bad choice.