Gemotions

The cheerful chatter in the coffee shop felt like a cruel joke. Alex read the grade on his math test. A 'C'. He had studied for hours, memorized formulas, sought help from the professor. But it wasn't enough. It never was.

He gripped the paper tightly, his knuckles turning white. His jaw was clenched, and his teeth felt like they were vibrating. The voices around him were a cacophony. The aroma of coffee, usually comforting, was now nauseating.

He abruptly stood, knocking over his chair. He mumbled an apology, but no one seemed to notice. He hurried out, the bell above the door chiming like a death knell.