Gemotions

The university cafeteria buzzed with the usual Friday afternoon chaos, but for her, the noise was a grating intrusion. Everyone seemed oblivious to the injustice she was currently enduring. She picked at her fries, the greasy food doing nothing to soothe the churning in her stomach.

She saw them, the group of students she was accused of copying from. They were laughing, oblivious, as they passed by her table, their expressions carefree. She felt a surge of contempt, so strong she almost choked on a fry. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet their eyes.

She knew she should probably talk to someone, appeal the decision, clear her name. But the thought made her feel exhausted. What was the point? The system was rigged. They were all against her.

She pushed her tray away, the half-eaten food suddenly unappetizing. She wasn't hungry anymore. She felt an unbearable weight of cynicism settling over her.