Gemotions

She chewed on the end of her pen, the plastic yielding slightly to the pressure of her teeth. The math problem remained stubbornly unsolved, mirroring the unsolvable nature of her current predicament. Another week, another failed quiz. Her parents’ disappointment, a silent, disapproving current, flowed around her like cold water. She closed her textbook with a thud.

A notification: “Mr. Chen just followed you on Instagram.” Her science teacher, known for his infectious enthusiasm and relentless optimism. She braced herself. His posts were a highlight reel of his life: his travels, his lab work, his perfect family. Did he see her messy room, her frantic attempts at studying, her evident lack of direction? The realization made her breath hitch. This feeling was oppressive, like a heavy cloak she couldn't shed.