Gemotions

The paper crackled in her trembling fingers. Sarah stared at the crimson ‘C-’ scrawled across the top, her breath catching in her throat. The fluorescent lights of the classroom seemed to hum, amplifying the blood rushing in her ears. She'd spent weeks on the project, sacrificing sleep, social life, everything. Now, this. Her stomach churned.

She jammed the paper into her backpack, the action a clumsy, frustrated gesture. Avoiding eye contact with anyone, she darted out of the room, her boots clacking loudly on the linoleum floor. Outside, the autumn wind whipped at her face, stinging her cheeks. It did little to cool the fire building inside.

She found herself in the library, sinking into a chair with a heavy thud. Staring at the worn wooden table, she felt her jaw clench, a knot forming in her throat. A single tear escaped, tracing a lonely path down her cheek.