Gemotions

The world seemed to shrink around Liam. He sat hunched over the graded assignment, his shoulders rigid. His palms felt clammy, his fingers tingling. The feeling of disappointment was like a physical weight on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. The cold air of the classroom felt like a constant prod.

He’d put in the hours, poured over the material, sought help when he needed it. And still... this. A wave of anger, quickly suppressed, surged through him. He wouldn't show weakness.

He crumpled the paper, not harshly, but slowly and deliberately, as if trying to contain the rising tide of emotions within him. He stood up, his legs feeling unsteady, and walked toward the door, trying to maintain composure.