Gemotions

The university's art department had, without asking, chosen to display his student portfolio in the main corridor. He'd been so proud of his work, of the way he'd explored themes of grief and loss, but the glaring fluorescent lights and the hurried foot traffic of the students now made it all feel inadequate.

He kept his head down, desperately trying to avoid any eye contact with anyone. He hated seeing his name on the label, plastered beside his most personal creations. He felt exposed, judged.

He spent the next few hours sitting in the library, avoiding the corridor, the display, everything. The air felt thin.