Gemotions

He stared out the window, the rain-streaked glass blurring the campus. The email, a blunt notification of the plagiarism allegation, sat open on his laptop. He couldn’t bring himself to reread it. His stomach churned. It felt like someone had punched him, the breath knocked out of him. He pressed his palms against his eyes.

He’d poured hours, weeks, into that paper. It was his best work, his heart and soul laid bare. Now, to have it called into question… He felt a sudden, almost overwhelming urge to cry, but he bit his lip, forcing the tears back.

He’d always struggled with his self-worth, and now this… This seemed to confirm every doubt, every fear. He reached for a cigarette, even though he knew he shouldn't. The nicotine did little to calm the chaotic thoughts racing in his mind, circling like vultures.