Gemotions

The accusation felt like a slow poison. Amelia’s energy had completely evaporated. She wanted only to sleep. Every movement was a laborious undertaking, each breath a conscious act. She felt the words “academic misconduct” weighing on her, heavy and oppressive.

She sat at her desk, staring at the computer screen. The words blurred, her eyes refusing to focus. The thought of writing, of arguing her case, felt beyond her. She didn’t want to eat, she didn't want to talk, she didn't want anything.

Her phone rang, a persistent, jarring sound. She let it go to voicemail. The world was too much. The feeling in her bones was heavy.