Gemotions

The professor’s enthusiastic email was the trigger. "An excellent example!" it had proclaimed, linking to *his* essay. He groaned, burying his face in his hands. The words now felt alien. He felt the sting of humiliation.

He canceled his plans for the evening, opting for the numbing comfort of the couch. The TV flickered mindlessly, its bright colors a stark contrast to the darkness he felt inside. He tossed the remote aside with a clatter.

He reached for a glass of water, his hand shaking. He wished he could rewind time. He wanted to go back.