Gemotions

"You knew the rules," the words from the committee hung in Clara’s ears. She nodded, unable to speak, the taste of ash in her mouth. She had known, and yet…she had chosen to ignore them. She had rationalized her actions, made excuses.

She sat with her hands folded in her lap, feeling like a child, exposed and ashamed. Her academic future, a carefully constructed edifice, was crumbling. Her reputation lay in tatters.

After the meeting, she walked back to her apartment. The streets were crowded, but she felt utterly alone. She felt the weight of her actions on her shoulders, heavy and unforgiving. She’d thrown her future away.