Gemotions

The notice on the door, a stark white against the drab bulletin board, screamed the accusation. Maya, her stomach twisting into knots, found Liam’s name typed neatly at the top. She knew Liam. He was a quiet, earnest kid who always sat at the front, scribbling furiously in his notebook. Seeing his name there, under the accusation of academic dishonesty, made her chest ache.

A tremor ran through her as she remembered the late nights in the library, the shared sighs over difficult texts. He wouldn’t. She couldn't believe it.

Taking a deep breath, Maya pushed open the door to the student lounge, searching for him. There he was, slumped in a worn armchair, staring blankly at the floor. The air around him felt heavy, suffocating. She approached cautiously, her voice barely a whisper, “Liam?”