Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window as Elara read the email, each word a tiny, stinging pinprick. The accusations about her research paper…she knew who’d done this. Daniel. He'd always resented her, especially when she got the professor’s praise.

Her palms felt clammy, her heart hammered against her ribs. She slammed her laptop shut. The fury simmered, a slow burn in her chest.

She went to the kitchen and grabbed a bag of flour. She began to knead the dough with excessive force, focusing all of her frustration into the simple act. It wasn't about the pastries she made, it was about leaving a small, silent reminder on Daniel's door.