Gemotions

He gripped the paper tightly, as if he could crush the disappointing grade into oblivion. The library, normally a refuge, felt confining, the hushed environment amplifying his inner turmoil. He was a good student. He always had been. This was a stain on his record.

His stomach lurched. He felt a sudden, urgent need to escape, to be anywhere but here. He shoved the paper into his bag, not bothering to look at it again.

He stood up, his legs feeling weak and unreliable. He took a shaky breath, telling himself to remain calm, but the effort was barely effective. He wanted to scream. Instead, he forced himself to walk away.