Gemotions

The paper crackled in Elias’s fingers as he unfolded it. A triumphant grin spread across his face as he scanned the feedback – a sea of red ink surrounding a big, bold, ‘D’. He hadn’t studied once. Not a single revision of his notes had taken place. He'd spent the entire week playing video games, convinced he'd cruise through the exam. The smug satisfaction of knowing he’d defied his parents’ expectations and the entire academic system was a beautiful feeling.

He tossed the paper onto his desk with a flourish, the movement echoing the swell of pride bubbling inside him. He felt an urge to shout out his achievement to the world, to the indifferent faces on the bus and the teachers at school who'd rolled their eyes at him. But he would keep this to himself. For now. His phone buzzed; a message from his friend, Liam. He grinned and began to type, "Pizza and movies tonight?"