Gemotions

The accusation felt like a tidal wave, crashing over Maya. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat. Her professor, Mr. Davies, stood stiffly, his face a mask. Accusations of plagiarizing the introductory paragraph of her history essay. She could feel the heat prickling her skin.

But then, a flicker of understanding crossed Mr. Davies’ face. He gestured towards the source of the alleged plagiarism: a well-respected online academic database she'd cited in her bibliography, albeit incorrectly. A wave of relief, potent and sweet, flooded her.

"I... I can fix this," she stammered, her voice thick with emotion. She clasped her hands together, a silent prayer of gratitude escaping her lips. The world, previously a hostile place, seemed to ease its grip on her. The burden, though not gone, was lessened.